SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF FORMER GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (GIP) INTERNS IN THE CITY OF BALANGA

Abstract

In the contemporary fast-paced labor market, where skills and experience are highly sought after alongside formal education, the Government Internship Program (GIP) provides an important platform for young people to acquire and improve essential skills, enhancing their employability and career prospects in public administration and related fields. This study aims to determine the level of skills development of former GIP interns in the City of Balanga during F.Y. 2023, assess the impact of their profiles and evaluate supervisors’ perceptions of their career goals in public administration or similar sectors. The research study used a mixed-methods design, surveying thirty-five (35) former GIP interns in Balanga City, Bataan and interviewing six (6) supervisors from various departments in Balanga City, Bataan as well. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA in IBM-SPSS Statistics version 21. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis, identifying and refining recurring patterns to present a comprehensive report on the interns’ skills development. The study revealed an “Advanced to Expert” level of skills development across various skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and organizational skills. There were no significant differences based on sex, baccalaureate degree, and type of work internship interns conducted. Supervisors emphasized the program’s effectiveness in enhancing interns’ communication, teamwork, adaptability, and organizational skills, preparing them for real-world challenges in public administration or similar sectors. In conclusion, the Government Internship Program effectively enhances interns’ skills development, particularly in communication, teamwork, adaptability, and organizational skills.