Isuzu, together with World Vision and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), commemorated the graduation of Isuzu Heart and Smile Project’s 19th batch of trainees while welcoming its 23rd batch at the Tesda Auto Mechanic Training Center (AMTraC) in Tacloban, Leyte.
The ceremonies were attended by VIPs from Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) led by administration senior executive officer Hirokazu Okubo and Isuzu Shutoken senior executive officer Ryuichi Shibata; World Vision Development Foundation executive director Rommel Fuerte, Tesda VIII Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr, CESO III, Asean Eng, Tesda Leyte Provincial Director Rolando Bade, and Tacloban City Council Member Dr. Elvira Casal.
16 trainees graduated with the Automotive Servicing National Certificate IV, the highest qualification for automotive servicing, and will be deployed to their respective employers. Among the 16 graduates, 12 will be dispatched to different Isuzu dealerships nationwide, while four of them will continue their studies at Isuzu Global Service Corp.
Okubo encouraged all graduates to excel in their work and contribute to the development of the Philippines. More than providing education to youths from the country’s poorest communities, Isuzu’s project also aims to produce globally competitive auto mechanics who will contribute to the development of the country’s automotive industry.
Apart from sending 16 trainees off to their new career journeys, a fresh batch of trainees was also welcomed to the AMTraC. The 23rd batch consists of 18 scholars carefully selected from the 600 applicants from different areas of the region. “Studying and graduating from this school will earn you a full-time job in the Philippine auto industry. You will also increase an opportunity to work in the automotive sector around the world,” stated Okubo. The scholars had to undergo a series of examinations and interviews to be accepted to the AMTraC.
Fuerte said, “We at World Vision feel blessed to be entrusted with this ministry of achieving hope, joy, and justice for all children. The AMTraC is one of those programs that is born of partnership and service to the youth.”
The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project was established by IML, in partnership with World Vision and Tesda to produce skilled and globally competitive auto mechanics who are ready for employment by the end of the two-year program. Despite the pandemic, the project continued, and since 2008 has generated 367 skilled individuals who have completed the Automotive Servicing course. Aside from free education and accommodation to all trainees, the project also aims to provide careers in the automotive industry for all graduates. The project has since guaranteed a 91% employment rate, helping alleviate unemployment and underemployment in the country.