Traineeship Guidebook as of 23Sept2014

        UNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES Guidebook for Traineeship Applicants Dear  Applicant,     Welcome!  Receiving  this  guidebook  means  that  you  are  ready  to  embark  on  your   traineeship  experience  through  United  Towers  Philippines.  This  guidebook  will  help   you  understand  the  traineeship  application  process.  Everything  you  need  to  know   about  the  program  is  here.       Again,  welcome  and  good  luck!        

FIRST  PHASE:  Enter  to  Learn   TRAINEESHIP PROCESS SECOND  PHASE:  Unite  with   Resume/Curriculum Vitae USA   Cover Letter and Video Resume Initial InterviewTHIRD  PHASE:    Pre-­‐Departure   Scanned Passport and Birth Certificate Orientations   Scanned diploma/certificate of graduation Picture, 2 Reference letters, and TORFOURTH  PHASE:  Welcome  to   Financial Documents and Form D the  USA   Notarized Contract & Address Verification 1st Program Deposit: PHP 10,000 and $500 A. Secondary Processing Sponsor and Host Organizations Interview Signed job offer letter 2nd Program Deposit: $2000 Other payments: SEVIS=$180, MRV=$160 B. Sponsor Organization Documents Training Plan (DS 7002) Certificate of Eligibility (DS 2019) 3rd Program Deposit: $750/$1250/$1750 C. US VISA Processing VISA Scheduling VISA Orientation VISA Interview VISA Debriefing Attend Pre-departure Orientation at CFO Attend PDOS of United Towers Philippines Settle Airfare Tickets Settle Housing in the US Update your SEVIS account Report to your employer/housing Provide arrival report to United Towers Philippines Go to the nearest Social Security OfficeThe process usually takes about 5-7 months depending on the applicant (experience,English level, and performance during the interviews). In some cases, it takes longer thanseven (7) months. The official start of the process is during the second phase, once theapplicant has deposited the first program fee. It is divided into four (4) phases and eachphase will be explained in the succeeding sections.UNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES: TRAINEESHIP GUIDEBOOK 1

TRAINEESHIP PROCESS FIRST  PHASE:  Enter  to  Learn  The first phase is the completion of pre-application requirements. These are thefollowing: - United Towers Philippines (UTP)’s resume format* - Cover Letter* - Video Resume* - Picture (business attire, in white background) - Initial and English interview conducted by UTP - Scanned Passport (must still be valid for 6 months after the end of the program) - Scanned Original Birth Certificate from the NSO - Scanned Diploma or Certificate of Graduation - Two (2) reference letters from previous employers - Transcript of Records - Financial Documents and Form D* - Signed and Notarized Contract (Mediation Agreement and Annex A)** - Address Verification Letter*** - Scanned deposit slips of PHP 10,000 and $500.There are two (2) platforms for sending in the resume video – Sendspace or Youtube.For Sendspace (no log-in required) 1. Upload the video through www.sendspace.com 2. On the description area the applicant should write his/her full name 3. Send it to the e-mail given by the program specialistFor Youtube (requires log-in) 1. Upload the video through www.youtube.  com 2. On the description area the applicant should write his/her full name 3. Send the link to the program specialistNote:* templates and guidelines will be sent in a different document** Terms and Conditions is an 11-page document and will be sent together with all thetemplates, guidelines, and this application guidebook.*** Address Verification Letter is a legal process to verify the address of the participant SECOND  PHASE:  Unite  with  USA  The official application process begins in this phase. The second phase is divided furtherinto three (3) steps.A. Secondary Processing 1. Sponsor Organization Interview: The applicant will undergo a sponsor organization interview. The sponsors will be the link to the potential host organizations orUNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES: TRAINEESHIP GUIDEBOOK 2

TRAINEESHIP PROCESS employers. They will determine what career path an applicant can go to and where he/she fits best. 2. Host Organization/Employer’s Interview: After passing the sponsor organization interview, the applicant’s resume will then be forwarded to possible employers. If an employer is interested, he/she will request an interview with the participant. 3. Signed Job Offer: If the employer accepts the applicant, a job offer letter will be sent and must be signed by the applicant. 4. Second Program Fee: Once the job offer has been signed, the applicant must deposit the second program fee within 3 days. The scanned copy of the deposit slip amounting to $2000 should be sent to UTP. Other payments should be paid as well. The Sevis Fee ($180) can be paid through United Towers Philippines but the MRV Fee ($160) should be paid directly to the US Embassy. The MRV and SEVIS receipts should also be scanned and sent to UTP.B. Sponsor Organization Documents 5. Before scheduling the VISA interview, the applicant must have two (2) pertinent documents: a. DS 7002 is the training plan of the applicant – it basically explains the nature of the job b. DS 2019 is the document that certifies eligibility for the J1 Cultural exchange program. This will be mailed to United Towers Philippines via courier. 6. Once the DS 2019 arrives, the applicant must pay the remaining balance ($750 for 6-month program, $1250 for 12-month program, $1750 for 18-month* program) before the VISA Interview and send the scanned deposit slip.*18-month program is NOT for hospitality coursesC. US VISA Processing 7. VISA Schedule: United Towers Philippines will be the one to schedule the applicant’s embassy interview. It will be scheduled upon the receipt of the DS 2019. 8. VISA Orientation: At least two (2) days before the scheduled VISA interview, he/she should visit the office for the VISA orientation and preparation of important documents. 9. Documents needed for the VISA interview include: NSO birth certificate (certified true copy), Diploma or certificate of graduation, Transcript of Records, Certificate of Financial Support and its attachments, Two (2) reference letters from previous employers/teachers, substantial certificates, photos, and other pertinent documents. 10. VISA Debriefing: Right after the interview, regardless of the result, the applicant must proceed to the office for debriefing. THIRD  PHASE:    Pre-­‐Departure  Orientations  1. It is a requirement for every applicant to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) of the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO). If you are aUNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES: TRAINEESHIP GUIDEBOOK 3

TRAINEESHIP PROCESS first-time holder of the J-1 VISA, the schedule of PDOS is every Wednesday/Friday (12 nn). However, for previous-holder of the J-1 VISA, the schedule is any workday between 8 am to 5 pm.2. United Towers Philippines also conducts a PDOS. The applicant must go to the office and attend the PDOS at the agreed schedule.3. Before officially flying to the US, housing in the US must be arranged prior to booking a flight. Once it is settled, the applicant must book his/her flight and send all the details (housing and flight) to UT. FOURTH  PHASE:  Welcome  to  the  USA  1. Upon arrival, the applicant must update his/her SEVIS account online. This should be done not longer than 3 days upon arrival.2. The applicant must immediately report to the employer/housing and also provide an arrival report to UT.3. To get the social security number, the applicant must go to the nearest social security offices with the assistance of their employer. Those who already participated in a similar program are no longer required to get another social security number. They can request their previous social security number.4. During the entire stay in the US, the applicant must report and submit to his/her sponsor the monthly survey provided.5. The applicant must also update UT about his/her experience. E-mailing, uploading of photos and blogging are highly encouraged. CONTACT  INFORMATION   UNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES Address: Unit 1702 Atlanta Center Annapolis Street Greenhills, San Juan, 1502 Website: www.unitedtowersphilippines.com.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitedtowersphilippines For general inquiries please email philippines@unitedtowers.com OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pmUNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES: TRAINEESHIP GUIDEBOOK 4

FREQUENTLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS  How long will the traineeship process take? • The traineeship process usually takes five (5) to seven (7) months depending on the applicant’s experience, English level, and performance during the interviews. In some cases, it takes longer than seven (7) months. But UT grooms and prepares the applicants for these things.What will happen if I haven’t been placed and it’s already seven (7) months? • You will have the final decision of either withdrawing from the application and claiming your refund or still pushing through with the program.How much will it cost me? • Please see the Terms and Conditions or contact any program specialist from United Towers.How much will I get if I decide to withdraw my application? • Please see the Terms and Conditions or contact any program specialist from United Towers.Do I have to go to Manila for the interviews? • For the initial interview, sponsor interview, and employer’s/host organization interview, you need not go to Manila. Usually, all these interviews are done either through Skype or phone. For the VISA interview, you have to go to the US embassy located in Pasay City, Manila.Can I pick the location and/or company I want to work in? • As much as possible, it is best to be flexible if you want to be placed ASAP. There is no guarantee that the company and/or location you want to work with have openings. If you insist on a particular location and/or company, the time processing these may vary according to the demand of that location and/or company and special request fees (not less than $200) may be charged on top of the program fees depending on the sponsor.Can I have my traineeship program with my friends? • There is a slim chance that you will have your traineeship with your friends because it will depend on the opening and everyone’s performances in the interview. Positions for this program is globally competitive so having the program with friends is not an option. Approximately, there is 90% chance that it will be a solo travel. Special request fees (not less than $200) may be charged on top of the program fees depending on the sponsor.How long after a sponsor interview will it take before I have the employer’sinterview? • The time is indefinite because it depends on the employers if they have checked and reviewed your requirements.How long after an employer’s interview do I get the result whether I got the job ornot? • It usually takes three (3) to seven (7) working days. It depends on the bulk of work of the employer.What will happen if I do not pass the VISA interview? • It actually depends on you - either you terminate your application or reschedule for another VISA interview which will incur additional MRV/VISA fee.Where is the CFO office located? • Please check their official website: www.cfo.gov.phHow will they know if I attended the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar in CFO ornot? • They will have a sticker on your passport certifying that you indeed attended the PDOS, so always bring your passport.I already have a social security number and card because I participated in the Work& Travel program but now, I lost my social security card and I do not remember mysocial security number, what should I do? • You can re-apply for another social security number but you have to notify them that you lost the previous one. You can only re-apply up to three times for free. Succeeding applications would merit a certain amount.UNITED TOWERS PHILIPPINES: TRAINEESHIP GUIDEBOOK 5