Companies That Offer Management Trainee Programs in the Philippines

Updated: April 18, 2019

The adage says that “Leaders are not born, they are made.” For many, leadership skill is not something we naturally have. That is why it is vital to take the necessary training to be a better leader. Fortunately, a lot of companies are now offering management trainee programs. But first, what is a management trainee program?

A Management Trainee Program is an extensive training program for individuals with different functions of the company. It aims to develop brilliant minds who will hold key positions in the future. Curriculum commonly consists of classroom and on-the-job training.

Duration

It may last from a few months up to several years depending on the company. BPI training takes six months. Unilever takes two years.

Duties and Responsibilities

They vary from company to company depending on the industry. A trainee’s assignments are usually rotated among departments to gain familiarity with the whole organization and its functions.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications for the program differs.

Some look for fresh graduates:

1. 1. With good academic records (preferably someone who finished with Latin honors)

1. With a series of extra-curricular activities and enumeration of outstanding accomplishments.

Others require experienced professionals:

1. 1. With a master’s degree.

1. Relevant work experience (2 years up).

Other Qualifications:

1. Leadership skills
2. Decision-making skills
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Good oral and written communication skills
5. Good interpersonal skills
6. Organization skills
7. Willingness to undergo intense training

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Trainees are shaped to hold key roles in the organization (e.g. managers, officers). But it does not necessarily mean that when they ‘graduate’ from the program, they are guaranteed to hold a managerial position. The program is not a shortcut to take to become a manager. Some are not placed in managerial position immediately. Instead, they are assigned as specialists until they gain the necessary experience and skills to become managers.

Some MTPs are not advertised since companies invite candidates from partner universities and colleges. A lot of them still post on job boards and company websites. But they are only available for a specific period of time. Be sure to check them from time to time. You don’t want a lost opportunity!

See also: A Fresh Graduate’s Job Application Starter Pack

Here are some of the companies that offer MT programs. Happy job hunting! (Click the link for more details.)

Management Trainee Programs

Banking and Finance

1. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
2. BDO Unibank, Inc
3. China Banking Corporation Management Training Program (MTP)
4. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)
5. Philippine National Bank (PNB) Junior Executive Development Program
6. UnionBank of the Philippines Leader – Executive Accelerated Development (LEAD) Management Trainee Program
7. Pioneer Insurance
8. Philam Life Management Associate Program
9. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Management Associate Program
10. Citibank Management Associate Program
11. Security Bank Sales Associate – Officership Training Program
12. Metrobank Advanced Management Trainee Program
13. Asian Development Bank Young Professionals Program (YPP)
14. AXA Management Trainee Bootcamp
15. Bank of Makati
16. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Management Associate Program
17. Land Bank Management and Leadership Development (MLD) Program

FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)

1. Unilever Future Leaders Programme
2. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. 
3. Nestle
4. Mondelez International Graduate Trainee Program
5. Johnson and Johnson
6. Philip Morris International (PMI)

Construction

1. Aboitiz Management Trainee Program

Oil and Energy

1. Shell Graduate Programme
2. Chevron

Telecommunication

1. Globe Telecom

Mall

1. SM Supermalls Management-In-Training Program

Fashion

1. Uniqlo Store Manager Candidate

Food Chain

1. Jollibee Foods Corporation
2. Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s)
3. Max’s Group, Inc
4. Philippine Pizza, Inc (Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen)
5. Goldilocks
6. Domino’s Pizza

Logistics

1. Maersk Graduate Programmes
2. Schenker Philippines, Inc. Corporate Trainee Program

Others

1. JG Summit John Gokongwei Institute for Leadership and Enterprise Development (JG-ILED)
2. Lamudi Future Leaders Program
3. Lazada Management Trainee Program

MTP is a rough road and not anyone can get through it (I can’t even get into it. Haha!). Yet it is an excellent way for career people to grow as a professional which is rewarding. Who would want to get stuck in his/her place forever permanently?

How about you?

1. Have you been in an MTP or are you currently in one? How’s the experience?
2. If not, do you plan to apply in one? Why and why not?
3. Do you know other MTPs that can be added to this list?

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Writer’s Note as of April 18, 2019

There has been a debate on forums on the legitimacy of Management Trainee Programs in the Philippines. Some say that MT programs are only used to lure you into sales positions or create bonds. But others claim that joining one is the best thing that happened to them – giving credit to the program for their corporate success. It is your call. As a responsible adult, it is your job to do proper research – reading job descriptions with utmost care, participating in online forums, and interviewing people. Make sure that the MT Program you are applying for will give you actual training in different job positions.

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