Isuzu Heart and Smile Project: Helping underprivileged youth achieve their dreams

Isuzu, World Vision, and TESDA celebrated the graduation of the 19th batch of trainees sponsored by the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project. They also welcomed its 23rd batch at the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center (AMTraC).

The event was attended by multiple VIPs from Isuzu Motors Limited led by Administration Senior Executive Officer Hirokazu Okubo and Isuzu Shutoken Senior Executive Officer Ryuichi Shibata; World Vision Executive Director Rommel Fuerte; TESDA VIII Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente Jr.;  Leyte Provincial Director Rolando Bade; and Tacloban City Council Member Dr. Elvira Casal.

The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project is a program by Isuzu Motors Limited, in partnership with the World Vision Development Foundation and TESDA, to produce skilled and globally competitive auto mechanics ready for employment by the end of their two-year program. 

Aside from the free education and accommodations the program offers all its trainees, the project also aims to give all its graduates careers in the automotive industry.

The program currently has a 91% employment rate, thus helping alleviate the unemployment and underemployment rate in the country.

Celebrating Batch 19

Batch 19 had 16 students graduate. All now carry Automotive Servicing National Certificate IV, the highest qualification for automotive servicing, and they will be deployed to their respective employers after graduation.

Twelve of the 16 graduates will be deployed to various Isuzu Dealerships nationwide. While the remaining four will continue their studies at Isuzu Global Service Corporation.

IML Senior Executive Officer Okubo imparted advice to all the graduates with words of wisdom and encouragement for them to excel in their work while contributing to the development of the Philippines.

The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project aims to provide more than just education to the youth from the poorest communities in the country, as it also aims to produce globally competitive auto mechanics that will help develop the country's local industry. 

Welcoming batch 23

Aside from the 16 graduates, the program also welcomed a fresh batch of trainees. The 23rd batch consists of 18 scholars selected from a pool of 600 applicants from different areas in the country. The 18 chosen scholars had to undergo examinations and interviews before being admitted to AMTraC.

“Studying and graduating from this school will earn you a full-time job in the Philippines auto industry. You will also increase an opportunity to work in the automotive sector around the world,” stated Okubo.

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