The Future of Work: Bridging Industry and Education for Skilled Workers

This study aimed to explore the future of work in Bani, Pangasinan, by examining profiles of industry workers, industry profiles, existing industries, the required skills for these industries, and the training programs offered by the Local Government Unit (LGU) that led to the upskilling and reskilling of industry workers. A quantitative-descriptive research design was employed, in which numerical data were analyzed and described. The study's respondents were 194 industry workers, 76 industry owners, and 3 LGU officials, using convenience sampling to ensure comprehensive representation. Results revealed that the majority of industry workers belong to the age of 41 and above, male, married, high school graduate, full-time workers, who have been working in the industry for 0-5 years, received a monthly salary of below Php 10,000, none of them attended any training related to skills, and attended 0-1 training. Meanwhile, profiles of the industry unveiled industries have 1-10 employees, locally owned, established between 2011 and the present, in operation for 0-5 years, market reach is local, offered skilled positions to workers, work status was permanent, 0-1 workers were resigning per year, and no training programs were available for workers. The locality of Bani, Pangasinan, has diverse industries. Skills in the different industries were described as "highly required". The Local Government Unit (LGU), particularly the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), offered training specific to the needs of industry workers. Furthermore, the upscaling and reskilling of industry workers in Bani, Pangasinan, is highly recommended.