Young workers now prefer jobs that offer flexible arrangements and digitally-driven roles, a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) official said Thursday.

DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres said this is the “dynamic shift” that they have observed among the youth workforce in the country.

“Now, let’s look at the broader trends shaping our youth workforce. We are observing a dynamic shift where young people are increasingly seeking not just any job, but meaningful work that aligns with evolving global demands,” Torres said in her keynote address during the launching of the “Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN” project in Manila.

“This includes a growing interest in flexible work arrangements, digitally-driven roles, and contributions to sustainable practices.”

To address this, Torres said the government is continuously adapting its training and employment strategies to match the ambitions and capabilities of young workers, “ensuring they are well-prepared for the jobs of tomorrow, particularly in emerging green and digital sectors.”

DOLE data from April 2025 shows a youth labor force of 6.415 million, with youth employment rate at 88.5 percent.

The “Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN” aims to accelerate the transition of Southeast Asia’s construction sector towards sustainability, while equipping young people with the skills needed to enhance their employability.

The project is supported by the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme.

“We must invest in young people’s skills to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for the construction industry across the region,” Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, said during the event. (PNA)