Staying true to their mission of promoting inclusive education in the Philippines, the LausGroup of Companies (LGC) provided vocational scholarship grants to 25 Grade 12 students hailing from Northern Luzon.
The Automotive Technician Education and Skills Development Program is LausGroup’s pilot automotive internship program, conducted with the support of LGC Ford Group. The program was originally conceived to support classroom learning, and allows students to exercise their practical skills and knowledge in a complementary space. According to LausGroup CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco, the scholarship programs affirm their long-term mission for countryside development as envisioned by their late founder, Levy P. Laus.
“At LausGroup, social responsibility is at the very heart of our business. Our founder and my father, Levy P. Laus, always emphasized how we must strive to elevate the communities we serve. I hope this not only inspires students to excel but to also realize the importance of practical skills in our daily lives,” said Laus-Velasco.
LausGroup scholars being briefed at Ford Metro Baguio
Following their graduation earlier this June, 21 technician interns and 4 non-technician interns were deployed at different LausGroup dealerships in Northern Luzon.
Shervel Lisayen is a 21-year old intern who expressed his appreciation for the opportunity that was given by LGC, “Marami akong natutunan, lalo na ang disiplina at halaga ng trabaho ko bilang automotive technician. Para sa’kin, responsibilidad namin ang buhay na nakasalalay sa bawat sasakyan, kaya sinisiguro naming maayos at pulido ang aming gawa. (I learned a lot, especially the discipline and significance of my job as an automotive technician. For me, we are responsible for the lives within each vehicle that goes through our hands, that’s why we ensure that we do our work well)” he shares.
Lisayen has been endorsed for an apprenticeship opportunity following his excellent work in the internship program. According to LGC, they saw his potential and is keen on supporting him in advancing his career in the automotive industry.
Michael Breen of Ford Philippines alongside LausGroup trainees and staff at Ford Metro Baguio.
Last July, Ford Philippines Managing Director Michael Breen paid a visit to the interns at Ford Dagupan and Ford Metro Baguio to personally extend his heartfelt congratulations. Breen shared the importance of having first-hand experience in the automotive industry and his vision, spearheaded by Ford Philippines.
Motivated by the success of this pilot program in Northern Luzon, LGC is expanding the Automotive Technician Education and Skills Development Program by partnering with more dealerships and technical-vocational institutions.
Education as a force of change
As a champion for underserved communities, CEO Lisset Laus-Velasco has always been passionate about the power of education. She currently spearheads multiple educational programs to give back to her hometown of Pampanga, searching for opportunities that can cater to young minds.
“Driven by our passion for cars and customer care, the Laus Group of Companies always aims to uplift the communities we serve,” shares Laus-Velasco. “Education is a force for change, and it is our mission to continuously empower our brilliant scholars to dream big and spearhead progress not just for Pampanga but also for our country,” she shares.
Reaffirming its commitment to educational inclusivity, LGC is also actively spearheading a partnership with Don Bosco Academy in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Scholars are given the opportunity to further their education through internship and apprenticeship programs that help refine their skills that would advance their chances at good employment opportunities.
With strong educational initiatives designed to foster brilliance in young Filipino minds, LGC is poised to be an integral pillar in the continued development of Central and Northern Luzon.