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With the growing demand for new and relevant skills, leading online job portal JobStreet reveals key findings on the Filipino workforce’s view on reskilling, upskilling, and digital learning from their recent Decoding Global Talent Survey.

When it comes to upskilling, 77% of Filipino employees are willing to be retrained for a different job as needed, according to JobStreet’s Decoding Global Talent Survey released last May. This is even higher among blue collar workers at 82%.

The growing number of workers who value upskilling or retraining and acquiring multiple skills can be attributed to the need for job security. As the pandemic has changed the work landscape, candidates are more willing to learn additional or new skills to be able to remain efficient in their jobs during the quarantine economy.

“Job roles are transforming faster than ever and both hirers and candidates must understand the need for upskilling for them to be more competitive and employable, respectively. Besides, it sustains a culture of learning in the workplace, hence improving overall productivity and resiliency at the time of crisis,” shared JobStreet Philippines Country Manager Philip Gioca.

The same survey reveals that Filipino workers’ learning preferences are still traditional with On-the-Job Training at 70% shown as the most preferred way of upskilling, followed by Self-study at 63%, and Conferences and Seminars at 56%.

Job resiliency

Aside from the number of employees who are willing to learn additional skills, the report also features higher-risk and lower-risk jobs in terms of resiliency due to automation.

JobStreet recommends for companies to build plans to expand the skills of their workers especially those in Customer Service, Service Sector, Administration and Secretariat, and Arts and Creative Work, which are at higher risk.

Meanwhile, employees in lower-risk jobs such as Management, Engineering and Technical, Science and Research, Law, Health and Medicine, Social Care, IT and Technology, and Digitalization and Automation are also recommended to upskill or be trained to stay relevant.

“We can see that automation has become a key factor in the workplace, so it is an advantage to learn digital skills regardless of your job role,” Gioca added.

Making job seeking easier amidst recovery

While economic recovery is on the horizon, JobStreet understands that applying for jobs remains a challenge among Filipino candidates. To help jobseekers, JobStreet’s “Job To Cart” online event is providing applicants with thousands of career opportunities nationwide.

Happening from July 26 to 30, “Job To Cart” gives participants a variety of career choices over its five day run, with applications done through easy-to-use chatbots and live chat features with participating employers.  

Day 1 will be dedicated to Luzon-based jobs, then on Day 2, available positions from Visayas-Mindanao jobs will be added. Day 3 is launching entry-level jobs, while Day 4 introduces overseas opportunities, and Day 5 opens government support and services.

Candidates can also catch JobStreet’s Facebook Live Shows, featuring special musical guests Fighting Monday, Reese Lansangan, and The Juans. Guests will also talk about their experiences in job searching and working in an office. With the help of hosts Show Suzuki and Bea Benedicto, JobStreet will also present job vacancies that are up for grabs through “Job To Cart” during the livestream.

“Job To Cart is an effort that aims to make applying for jobs a more entertaining activity just as how much we Filipinos enjoy online shopping. Hopefully, through this online event, we are able to help more candidates rebuild their careers and find a job that matters to them,” said Gioca.

Job seekers can pre-register now through http://jobstreet.com.ph/vcf-21.

To learn more about Job To Cart, visit jobstreet.com.ph or log on to facebook.com/JobStreetPhilippines.

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Dear Survivor,

I’m Romeo Briones Jr., colleagues and friends calls me “Miyo” but my family known me as “Otoy”. I’ve been working for almost 8 years now. I am just a typical working professional who aims to grab a good digit on my work so I could suffice the needs of my family but there comes a time that I lose track on what I really wanted. Let me share with you, my story of failure, success, and moving forward.

Like a snap of a finger, a flashback of the past, where I started with my first-ever job as a Software Engineer in a Local IT Company. At that time, I really do not know where I am heading into when I applied for the role what matters at that moment is to look for a job, so I will not be too much burden with my family. 

You know the pressure that some of your classmates in college already started working while I am still here wandering around the street of Salcedo in Makati.

First time to walk into the underpass in Ayala

Tight slack, tucked in polo shirt (with sweaty under arms) roaming from one company to another submitting resume under the heat of the sun. I really cannot imagine how I could be able to withstand those situations back then and all you hear from them is that “we’re just going to call you if you’ll be able to be shortlisted.” 

Days become weeks and weeks could become months. 

I got tired of the waiting game that is why I grabbed the opportunity which my former college schoolmate was referring into.

Our Office on my first job taken during the heavy rain and I can’t seem to go off work.

I thought having a job will somehow uplifts my status in life but that is not what had happened. After a year with my first job, I reevaluated myself and asked, “how would I achieve my goals in life? House, Car or Travel?”

When you are young, that fire in you is burning with passion in achieving those goals that is why I decided to look for an opportunity and change my path to Software Quality Assurance Engineer in an IT Multinational Company. I really learned a lot within my stay here. 

I was able to strengthen and hone some skills such as testing, project management, and agile methodologies. Also, during that time I decided to push through with my master’s degree. 

My Library Card during my MBA Days

During that moment, I am still hesitant, but I do not take “No” for a challenge specially when you felt that kind of aura of achieving your career and personal goals. I am not an A-Lister, but I am a hardworking individual.

After 2 and a half years, I was able to get the ever-grateful diploma of mine and wear a toga again. It was so memorable for me since I couldn’t imagine I would be able to walk in the same aisle with my brothers.  (Yup, you heard it right, we are classmates during our masteral studies).

Graduation Rites: Together with the Briones Brothers

Within that time, I appreciate those who questioned my worth and skills because through their constructive feedback I was able to reassess my strengths and weaknesses. Today, I am now living with my dreams as a Manager in one of a Fortune 500 Company. 

No flowery words to say but just thankful with this journey since I have learned a lot from my experience, my disappointments, and my decisions.

At the end of the day, we are still the ones who create our own destiny, our future. We do not just stop learning in the 4 corners of the office. There is a wide space for learning even if you are from home. That is what pandemic has taught us.

Many had loss their job and loss their loved ones but to those who are fighting for their lives even with this uncertainty are the bravest. Not a disaster or pandemic will stop us from learning but when you stop believing that you cannot achieve your goals.

That’s why my dear fellow survivor, a message from me, don’t stop looking for opportunities and continue learning as we grow.

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This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.