The Future Movers Programme
The Future Movers Programme was a 2-year initiative to support the development of an inclusive and market-driven Vocational Educational and Training (VET) ecosystem. The goal was to empower internally displaced persons (IDPs), primarily the youth, in post-conflict Marawi through up- and right-skilling, and employment facilitation. GPCCI was one of four consortium partners supporting the program's implementation, which came to a close at the end of 2021.
Background
On February 18, 2020, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), together with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), and TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., officially launched the Future Movers Programme.
Funded by the European Union through the VET Toolbox and Enabel, the 2-year endeavor aimed to build an inclusive and industry-driven Vocational Education and Training (VET) ecosystem which aimed to empower the youth by improving access to inclusive VET, incentivized completion of training programs, and a streamlined transition into the labor market.
The programme focused on innovative learning approaches (especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic), global and standardized skills certification, and a labor market integration.
The program primarily focused on internally displaced people (IDP) in post-conflict Marawi, a city in Mindanao that was devastated during a five-month rebel siege in 2017.
Project Partner
ASSIST Asia was established in 2003 as a three-person NGO in the Philippines. From there, it expanded through the rest of the region of Southeast Asia. Inspired by the growth since, ASSIST is driven by the same passion and purpose for progress and prosperity in Asia. ASSIST takes pride in professional outlook, social responsibility, and a process-oriented approach to capacity building towards social improvement and sustainable transformation.
The Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education (CPSC) is an autonomous specialized agency of the Colombo Plan. It was established on December 5, 1973 at the 23rd Consultative Committee Meeting of the Colombo Plan held in Wellington, New Zealand to assist the member countries of the Colombo Plan in developing and enhancing their technician education systems. It became operational in 1974 with the Republic of Singapore serving as the first host Government. In January 1987, CPSC moved to Manila, Philippines upon the invitation of the Philippine Government.
Identified as one of the Next-11 countries, the Philippines is considered as one of the upcoming, largest and fastest growing economies. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GPCCI) sees an undiscovered potential here. Founded in 2008, GPCCI has been determined to support the growth of the Philippine economy. Promoting bilateral trade by supporting the market entry of German companies and represent Germany as strongest economic partner from Europe, upholding the mission to serve as a working platform for the German business community and promote German companies, products and services in 140 locations in 92 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections and services to German and foreign companies. AHKs are located in all countries which are of special interest for German companies.
TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group maintains a worldwide presence of more than 20,000 people; annual turnover is nearly EUR 2 billion. The independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology and the environment in nearly all aspects of life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products and services, oversees projects, and helps to shape processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, TÜV Rheinland employs a global network of approved labs, testing and education centers. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.
Industry Placement Committee
Drawing from the experiences of GPCCI’s Vocational Training Committee, a body responsible for the chamber’s activities in the field of vocational training, GPCCI established the Industry Placement Committee (IPC) as part of the FMP.
The IPC served as a consultative multi-stakeholder body, with members including Bauer International Philippines, MHE-Demag (P), Holcim Philippines, Maranao People Development Center (MARADECA), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region X. The IPC was a venue to jointly validate needed competencies in the construction sector, raise awareness for trained in-company trainers to deliver hands-on skills training to future construction workers and support and advocate the placement of trained Filipino youth into employment.
In-Company Trainer Training
To enhance the capacity of the companies to train trainees and current team members skillfully, GPCCI organized a two-day In-Company Trainer training. Prior to the training, GPCCI conducted an online information session to explain the Train-the-Trainer concept and promote its benefits to representatives from construction companies based in Marawi.
As a result, 24 representatives from small to large construction companies based in Manila and Mindanao underwent hands-on training and engagement methods, session plan development, and learned about effective feedback giving and assessment methods.
Equipped with In-Company Trainer skills, these companies are potential venues for FMP graduates to undergo on-the-job training (OJT) or find employment opportunities.
Advocacy
The GPCCI strongly supports the Future Movers Programme’s long-term goals of industry engagement and capacity building beyond the project life cycle.
The knowledge products and outputs developed under the FMP lay the groundwork for continued success and potential application on a larger scale.
Project Donors
Launched by the European Union, the VET Toolbox is a new international facility that provides partner countries with additional and punctual support to enhance or monitor planned or existent VET reform programs.
Enabel is the Belgian development agency with a mission to implement and coordinate the Belgian international development policy. Managing development projects for the account of the Belgian Government and other donors. Actively contributing to the global efforts for sustainable development.
The European Union is a unique economic and political union between 28 EU countries that together cover much of the continent.