Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office 1 of Pangasinan and Urdaneta City Division have recently launched a comprehensive On-the-Job Training (OJT) program to empower senior high school students and equip them with practical skills for their future careers in agriculture, administration, and related industries. The program took place at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, with a total of 52 students from three different schools participating.
Daniel Maramba National High School (DMNHS), San Jose Leet Integrated School (SJLIS), and Lananpin National High School (LNHS) were among the schools that participated. The 35 students from DMNHS were divided into six batches, with each batch completing 40 hours of training. SJLIS provided six students who individually completed 80 hours of intensive training, while LNHS had 11 students divided into two batches, with each batch undergoing 80 hours of rigorous training.
The OJT program commenced on April 11, 2023, with the first batch of students, and concluded on May 23, 2023, with the final batch completing their training. Throughout the program, students had the invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and acquire significant knowledge in their respective areas of interest.
The ATI-RTC I provided an exceptional venue for the program, boasting cutting-edge facilities that facilitated practical training activities and knowledge acquisition. The center created an ideal environment for students to immerse themselves in real-world agricultural practices and enhance their understanding of the industry.
By actively engaging in practical training activities, students were able to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This hands-on approach allowed them to effectively apply their acquired skills and knowledge in a professional setting.
"We are thankful to ATI-RTC I for giving us the opportunity to experience actual work and gain real-world insights. Through this program, we learned the importance of Training Design and Activity Design, skills that we can apply to our future endeavors. We realized that the benefits of agriculture extend beyond planting crops and encompass office work as well. This experience has opened our minds to the immense potential of pursuing a career in agriculture, contributing to the production of the food that sustains us.", expressed by Ms. Alyssa Jade B. Liberato OJT from DMNHS during the completion ceremony.
Both students and teachers provided excellent feedback on the program, highlighting its value in their personal and professional development. The hands-on experience and relevant skills gained through the OJT program were highly appreciated by the students. Moreover, the program fostered a deep appreciation for agriculture and related sectors, cultivating a new generation of professionals ready to contribute to the industry's growth and development.
As the OJT program concluded, the participating students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow in a practical context. They acknowledged the significant impact of such activities in shaping their future and expressed confidence in their ability to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector and beyond.
The successful implementation of the training program exemplifies the commitment of educational institutions, the Agricultural Training Institute, and the local community to empower and nurture young individuals. This initiative equips senior high school students with practical skills and knowledge, laying a strong foundation for their future success in the workforce.
As these students embark on their future endeavors armed with newfound experience and confidence, the impact of the OJT program will continue to resonate through their lives and positively contribute to the agricultural landscape of their respective community for years to come.
