BACOLOD City – The city’s Near-Hire Training Center is set to open next month, following an inspection conducted by Mayor Greg Gasataya on July 8.
The center, which will operate under the Bacolod City College (BCC), aims to provide training programs for “near-hire” job applicants — those who nearly qualify but fall short of the skill requirements for employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
The Bacolod City Public Information Office confirmed that the center will officially open in August.
In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the program will be implemented under TESDA’s Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) initiative. It seeks to equip Bacolod residents with in-demand skills tailored for the BPO sector.
The training center was conceptualized during the term of former mayor, now Lone District Representative, Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez. He initiated the project after observing that many applicants classified as “near-hires” failed to secure employment due to insufficient skills.
Previously named the Asenso Life Skills Training Academy under Benitez’s administration, the program is funded by TESDA and will be primarily based at BCC to develop a competitive local labor force.
Under the program’s process, BPO companies will identify potential candidates. With endorsements from TESDA and the local government unit, selected scholars will undergo skills training. TESDA, with support from the city government, will deliver the training, after which the BPO partner will re-evaluate trainees for possible hiring.
The city government will serve as the program’s hub, TESDA will manage the training implementation, and partner BPO company Ubiquity will provide industry expertise and job opportunities.
This collaborative effort aims to strengthen local employment by offering targeted skills development and a direct pathway to careers in the BPO industry./PN
