“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
Last January 10, 2025 (Friday) had the opportunity to speak before 300 plus students from the College of Business & Accountancy at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) as resource person for their graduating students about to be deployed for Internship in AUF’s partner organizations/businesses.
When I was told that they wanted to me give an overview of the “Sexual Harassment Act, Safe Spaces Act & Workplace Etiquette & Professionalism”, I had my initial reservations specially so am no lawyer and have limited knowledge of the laws stated. This is when their hardworking Legal Management Program Chair (Ms. Ann Rodriguez) told me that I can premise my discussion on previous actual experience by sharing OJT programs & its practical application based on my actual results & situations handled, without hesitation, I readily accepted.
Just to be sure that I was sharing the correct & right information, the best thing to do was to consult the experts. I had my presentation reviewed by the legal team of RIVERA & Associates specifically the Republic Act 7877 (The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) & the Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law”.
Relevant information such as the definition of sexual harassment with clear examples, its scope, the penalties, protective measures & the role of school or local authorities are important for interns & schools to be familiar with. With the aim to impart deeper knowledge about the topic helps prevent them from happening.
On 28 December 2017, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued Memorandum Order No. 104 Series of 2017 otherwise known as the “Revised Guidelines for Student Internship Program in the Philippines “SIPP” for all Programs”. This provides the guidelines in the conduct of the program for student internship.
Per the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), OJTs students in partner companies are mandated by law to be assured of their safety and quality of learning. That is why I have always frowned on OJT students being asked to file or copy documents, assign in the least liked areas or worst serve coffee for guests. Any activity should help develop skills & the experience should enrich the student’s degree programs, strengthen their career guidance, and promote their overall wellbeing in the workplace it is a must that that the educational institution & the partner organization, collaborate how roll out a very good OJT program.
It is therefore highly suggested, that for the educational institution & the partner organization to collaborate on how to design a very good OJT program. This is one way of helping others (this time interns) become successful & continue to promote the importance of a “respectful workplace”.
In most courses, an OJT will be for a minimum of 200 hours or a maximum of 240 hours. However, I saw some courses (highly specialized & technical) that require a longer period like 300 – 500 hours, depending on the program of the school Students & approved by CHED.
OJT students in partnership companies are mandated by law to be ensure the safety and quality of learning, which will be useful in developing their skills & experience.
In all universities that I engaged with the OJT Program (Mapua Institute of Technology, University of the Philippines, Holy Angel University & Angeles University Foundation among others), aside from being given the opportunity to review & suggest on the contents of the course curriculum & the school’s OJT program, in companies that I worked for, we always formed a selection committee that will decide on whom among the applicant OJT student will best fit the company & its OJT program in terms of academic background, passion, personality & in some instances, to address one of the most common problems encountered is the place of residence.
Important as well is for the accepting or host departments in the company to own the decision rights on who to take in as interns, instead of being a sole prerogative of HR, gives better chances of a successful & impactful OJT experience for the student.
HR’s role should evolve into looking doing due diligence on Educational Institutions, checking on the OJT situation & progress, get feedback from supervisor/department in charge about the OJTs & align with the program in charge of the partner school/university.
At the end of the program, some sort of an OJT commencement exercise that includes presentation of the student’s OJT journey & project recommendations was always part of our program. This is where department managers have the opportunity to ask questions, clarify & sometimes give advice.
A good internship program introduces OJTs to the daily rigors and tasks in the workplace, it helps students to decide if certain jobs fit their personality, interests and talent. Such are great opportunities for students to pick up and apply relevant knowledge and skills within the workplace.
Allowing them to meet people who can give sound career advice and guidance, I remember a good number eventually applied for jobs available upon their graduation, later on becoming high potential employees and now occupying key positions as well.
In the same manner, I vividly remember seeing very good suggestions, projects & initiatives coming from our OJTs during their presentations & programs. Some were eventually adopted for actual implementation. This is because OJTs have fresh eyes. They can have a different perspective or view of the challenges repeatedly being encountered by tenured employees. True enough, a good number of problems & difficult situations have been addressed & solved by 18 year old students.
On the minimum, on-the-job trainees are expected to be enrolled in a “legitimate Philippine higher education institution”, must be at least 18 years old from the start of the OJT program & Pass pre-OJT requirements specified in the OJT plan plus a submit Medical Certificate indicating they are “in good health and emotionally fit”. Equally important is a notarized written consent form from their parents or legal guardian, though some companies do not require this, it is always best for both parties be protected by such document.
An important reminder is for the OJT student to have their parent’s or guardian’s written consent via notarized waiver form.
Per a memorandum released by CHED in 2021, face-to-face OJT programs are not mandatory. This is mainly due to the protocols set during the COVID 19 pandemic. At that time, it was logical to accommodate on line OJT for students. It was primarily to ensure the health & safety of the students while covid cases have not yet been zeroed out.
Though not required by law, some HTEs provide incentives such as duty meals, travel allowance, or uniforms. Other OJT programs provide monthly allowances. Ultimately, it depends on the Memorandum of Agreement signed by both parties.
An important reminder is for the OJT student to have their parent’s or guardian’s written consent via notarized waiver form.
An ensuing orientation usually covers important topics on company background & policy, workplace code of conduct and work ethics and applicable laws that will protects the OJTs students in the work place.
During the learning & knowledge sharing session, a common question that I have hoped to have answered was what demeanors are needed for OJT students to become successful. Based on online research & on my personal experience, the following are important for OJT students to be successful.
1. Being professionalism at the onset.
This means that “deployee” students must always maintain a professional attitude. By following the company rules & regulations, code of conduct & way of working. In the same manner, appearance, grooming & proper dressing also exudes professionalism
2. Punctuality
Being on time is crucial. This is not solely to the time one reports to the HTE assignment but also the timeliness of output such as reports, tasks & projects related to being an
3. Eagerness to Learn
The opportunity to put into test the theories learned plus actual application may completely be different. The chance to be where the action is, being in the midst of the challenges and being able to navigate through difficult situations will be the best learning opportunities. Being eager to learn new skills and change lifelong perspective about the workplace is something that OJTs must enthusiastically embrace.
4. Respect:
Treat everyone with respect. This means giving due respect to everybody regardless of their position or rank. It also means listening attentively to the employees and supervisors, being polite, and show appreciation for the guidance and support you receive. Not being tardy in all aspects is also a form of respect.
5. Initiative:
Never wait to be told what to do. If you see an area where you can help or a task that needs to be done, take the initiative to get involved. Simply put, go for the things that you want.
6. Responsibility:
Take complete ownership of your assigned tasks & complete them to the best of your ability. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it, and learn from it.
7. Communication:
Keep your communication clear and concise. Ask questions when you’re unsure, and keep your supervisors informed about your progress. Do not keep to yourself any questions, concerns, ideas or suggestion that you have.
8. Be a Team Player
Teamwork is always key to a successful OJT stint. Collaborating effectively with colleagues & mentors contribute positively to group projects. Cooperate & follow the advice of mentors & program advisers.
9. Adaptability
Be flexible and open to change is a mindset that helps ypu grow professionally because you learn things that are beyond your capabilities & out of your comfort zone. Since the workplace can be dynamic, and your ability to adapt will be highly values.
10. Ethics and Integrity
Even as students, acting ethically and with integrity is a good mental model. Following the company’s values and standards at the same time being a shining example of your school through your over all performance & behavior.
In parting, I told them, “when you’re an OJT (on-the-job training) student, the workplace setting is a professional environment. The way one carries oneself can make a huge difference in the experience gained and the impressions one leaves on the company & your career goals because it will always be one’s best crack at employment if you decide to apply in the same company or in any organization when you enter the workforce. The OJT journey itself is already part of your tracked record & work place experience”
I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Chere C. Yturaralde- Dean of the College of Business & Accountancy & to Mr Amiel Talabucon – Internship Coordinator for inviting me and of course to Ms Ann Rodriguez, the Legal Management Program Chair cum photographer.
GOOD MORNING HARDWORKING PEOPLE!For comments & suggestions, you may email author [email protected] & follow in Facebook Herrie Raymond Rivera.