The program was developed in coordination with the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) and the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) NCR.

"We realize the value of taking the lead in developing a comprehensive training program specifically designed to produce industry-ready IT students that have the skills required by the industry," said PSIA president Fermin Taruc. "At the moment, software companies still need to re-train and retool graduates from IT schools before they are ready to work in the industry," Taruc said, adding that the importance of shortening IT students’ learning curve has become even more crucial given the continued rise in demand for IT professionals.

Designed for institutions that offer IT degrees, the PSIA Industry-Academe Linkage Program incorporates the JAVA Career Entry Course for Software Development (CECSD) into the curriculum of fourth-year IT students. "The idea is to equip students with as much basic knowledge about the industry to shorten the transition phase from school to employment," explained Taruc. The program was originally offered through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) PGMA Train Work Program.

The program’s first objective is to ensure the readiness of school faculties to deliver the course next school year. With the help of TESDA and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), teachers from different institutions, including the Technological Institute of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Asian College of Science and Technology, and University of the East, underwent a comprehensive five-week preparation program prior to implementation proper to orient the teaching staff on SQL, Java Fundamentals, Java Web Development, and Java Enterprise Development.

The program was developed by PSIA members Orange and Bronze and Computer Professionals Inc. Brainbench, certifying partner for the pilot project, sponsored pre-assessment and post-assessment JAVA competency tests. Faculty members who have successfully completed the training will carry out the program by the second semester of the current school year.

"Beginning this second semester, these schools will be in charge of interventions, training, and assessment methods throughout the implementation process. PSIA and PSITE will monitor the progress of interventions and spearhead different support activities including career talks, road shows, and other career advocacy initiatives," said PSIA executive director Anne Sy.

Through the joint efforts of the academe and industry associations, the Industry-Academe Linkage Program intends to help boost the growth of the Philippine IT industry by increasing the available pool of industry-ready IT professionals, Taruc said.