Student Internship Program of the Philippines and 21st Century Competencies: Basis for the Improvement of On-the-Job Training

The study assessed the compliance with the criteria on the conduct of on-the-job training programs provided in CHED MEMO Order 23, s.2009 of six (6) College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements as perceived by student interns. Twenty-first Century competencies served as the framework. The study used a researcher-made instrument and descriptive statistics to gather and analyzed data. The results revealed that eighty-four (84%) of respondents observed that the on-the-job training programs complied with the twenty-seven (27) of the criteria and non-compliance to one criterion - which is on the agreement with host training establishment for incentives like free meals and allowance. Further, the study found that the very frequently applied competencies during the training is cultural awareness and sensitivity of diverse values, culture, and personalities. This is followed by personal character. The study also discovered that collaboration; citizenry, social responsibility, and global awareness; critical thinking and analysis, decision-making, and problem solving; speaking skill; and writing skill as very frequently applied competencies. The result suggests the necessity to improve on the aspect of providing incentives during on-the-job training. The result also shows the need to improve the frequently applied competencies in the workplaces.

Keywords: Assessment, On-the-Job Training, Competencies, Internship Program