What if a digital platform could single-handedly bridge the gap between education and employment, making a significant dent in youth unemployment across the Philippines? This isn’t just a hypothetical question; it’s the core mission of OJT Connect, a groundbreaking digital platform, founded by Romel Romero and KC Adviento.
It’s now transforming how Filipino students, especially those in rural and underserved communities, access on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities. In a landscape where access to opportunities is often dictated by geography and financial resources, OJT Connect is leveraging technology to level the playing field.
In an exclusive interview with FintechNewsPH, Romel Romero, the platform’s founder, shared his vision. “We founded OJT Connect to solve a long-standing issue: talented students from provincial areas often struggle to find meaningful internships because the best opportunities are centralized in major cities,” Romero said. “Our mission is to break those barriers by using technology to decentralize access. We believe that while talent is everywhere, opportunities are not, and we’re here to change that.”
OJT Connect: A platform aligned with national vision
OJT Connect’s work is now more crucial than ever with the recent signing of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act (RA 12063). This landmark law, which aims to enhance employability through structured, industry-aligned training, perfectly aligns with the platform’s founding principles.
Romero (seated, at left) during the MOA-signing with MSU-IIT in April 2025
The platform’s success is already evident through strategic partnerships with universities like the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Bicol University, and Pangasinan State University. These collaborations have provided over 1,500 students with exposure to industry experiences through both onsite and virtual workshops.
Beyond just a placement service, OJT Connect is dedicated to holistic development. The platform offers free career starter workshops that help students craft international-standard resumes and prepare for interviews. “Employability goes beyond technical know-how,” Romero explained. “Our goal is to build both competence and confidence, giving students the tools to thrive in competitive global environments and making them truly future-ready.”
For students, the process to join is designed to be simple and inclusive. Students, including those currently enrolled, recent graduates, or career shifters, can sign up directly on the platform to get access to a curated list of opportunities. “There are no strict eligibility requirements beyond basic documentation,” Romero noted. “Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible.”
Strategic partnerships and expanding national reach
OJT Connect’s mission is bolstered by strategic partnerships that enhance its capacity and credibility. In April 2025, a key partnership with Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) led to the establishment of the first-ever OJT Connect Hub. This physical co-working space provides students with the necessary hardware, digital tools, and a professional environment to conduct remote internships.
The platform gained further national visibility in May 2025, when it was invited by Atty. Lily Milla of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to present its model at the International COIL Conference in General Santos City. Romero emphasized that this recognition validates the platform’s approach and opens doors for collaboration with more provincial Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who share a vision for globally competitive students.
Building on this momentum, OJT Connect is expanding its network through new strategic collaborations. A partnership with Marinduque State University is helping to address the high costs and logistical barriers students face when traveling for internships, while a collaboration with F4RM, a for-impact organization, aims to strengthen students’ soft skills and global awareness.
Building a financially literate and globally competitive workforce
OJT Connect’s inclusive approach is a core part of its mission. The platform is entirely free for students, educational institutions, and partner companies, a model that removes all financial barriers. “This commitment,” Romero noted, “is central to the platform’s mission of building a financially literate, digitally empowered, and globally competitive generation.”
Romel Romero (left), the platform’s founder, in one of his visits to the PH Senate
A proud Filipino based in San Diego, California, Romero is now actively working to expand the platform’s global reach. Initial conversations with the Philippine Consulate General in Houston, Texas, are underway to explore cross-border collaboration and create pathways for students to gain exposure to international companies.
“It’s about visibility and access, but also about changing the perception of Filipino talent globally,” Romero shared.
Ultimately, OJT Connect is more than a platform; it’s a movement. “Together, we’re not just closing the skills gap,” Romero concluded, “we’re creating a future where every Filipino has the chance to thrive.”
