At Xentra, our commitment to fostering IT talent goes beyond the classroom. For the past three years, we’ve partnered with local schools to offer a learning experience that is not only educational but also pivotal in shaping students’ careers. This commitment has resulted in a thriving program that seamlessly transitions promising trainees into valuable full-time employees.
A Training Program Like No Other
What sets Xentra apart is our focus on real-world projects and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional OJT (On-the-Job Training) programs, where trainees often end up doing routine tasks, Xentra offers opportunities to work on actual projects that contribute to the company’s success. This approach provides trainees with the professional experience they need to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
But what truly sets Xentra apart is the sense of community within the company. At Xentra, employees are more than just team members—they’re part of a family. This close-knit atmosphere is fostered by an approachable management team and a company culture that values open communication. Employees know that the management is always available to listen and support them, and the chairman himself is accessible at any time, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
Celebrating Our Newest Success Stories
Today, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of four exceptional individuals who began as trainees at Xentra and have now joined us as full-time employees. Their journey is a testament to the effectiveness of our training program and their own hard work and dedication.
Real-World Experience: The Foundation of Success
Real-world experience is crucial for building the skills needed to succeed in any field. At Xentra, this means providing our trainees with opportunities to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
John Bautista
UIUX DESIGNER
John Bautista, a 2023 graduate of Bulacan State University, is one such success story. After completing his training at Xentra, he became a full-time UI/UX designer in February 2024. John’s experience working on projects like the Marker Trax mobile app, and the Koin mobile app helped him develop a keen eye for design and usability. Reflecting on his journey, John shared:
“The hands-on experience I gained at Xentra was instrumental in refining my skills and contributing to real-world products. It sharpened my ability to improve existing products by making them more user-friendly and visually cohesive.”
Continuous Development: A Path to Professional Growth
Professional growth is an ongoing journey of learning and improvement. At Xentra, we emphasize continuous development to ensure that our trainees not only gain skills but also evolve in their roles.
David
JUNIOR QA TESTER
David, a graduate of Centro Escolar University Malolos, began his journey at Xentra as a back-end developer trainee. However, he quickly discovered his passion for quality assurance and transitioned into a QA tester role on the Koin project. Now a full-time employee, David has developed critical skills such as attention to detail and effective communication. He notes:
“My experience at Xentra taught me to be confident, how to multitask, how to communicate effectively with my team, and grow from my mistakes.”
Mentorship and Support: The Keys to Growth
At Xentra, we believe that mentorship is essential for fostering a culture of growth and excellence. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to guiding trainees through the challenges of their new roles, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
Ralph Lopez
BACK-END DEVELOPER
Ralph started his career at Xentra as a back-end developer trainee, working on projects such as Bahapay, Atlas Pay, and Koin. His training, which lasted from March to July 2022, was marked by mentorship from senior developers who helped him navigate the complexities of new technologies. Ralph recalls:
“It was overwhelming at first, but the guidance and support from my mentors were invaluable. They taught me everything I needed to know, and their mentorship helped me build a strong foundation that accelerated my growth.”
Joaquin Guese
Front-end Developer
Joaquin also benefited from Xentra’s supportive culture. After his training, he became a full-time front-end developer in September 2022, working on the Koin project under the leadership of Aileen Agbada, SVP Program Manager. Joaquin credits his mentors, particularly Paul Diwa, Senior Front-End Developer, with helping him overcome challenges and thrive in his role. He says:
“The team culture at Xentra was incredibly supportive. As a trainee, I was given meaningful tasks that allowed me to learn and grow. What I appreciate most is that everyone on the team was always willing to help, making the work manageable and rewarding.”
Work Culture: The Most Enjoyable Part
For the trainees who have transitioned into full-time roles at Xentra, the standout aspect of their experience has been the company’s exceptional work culture. Beyond the professional skills they’ve developed, their time at Xentra has also positively impacted their personal lives.
Ralph shared,
“My experience at Xentra has not only refined my technical skills but also has been instrumental in my personal development and growth. Working at Xentra provided me with hands-on experience that significantly enhanced my technical abilities and confidence… What I love most about the work culture at Xentra is the strong sense of collaboration and support. This culture not only makes work more enjoyable but also drives personal and professional development.”
Joaquin meanwhile, reflected how Xentra helped him overcome his introverted nature,
“I am an introvert. So, working for Xentra helped me improve how to interact and communicate. I was also able to meet people that provided me with new ideas and knowledge which led me to improving my skills… What I love the most about [though] is that the team in each project always helps in making everything easy to manage.”
David on one hand, expressed how satisfied he is with choosing to train with and work for Xentra,
“As I started my professional career as QA in Xentra, my communications skills have improved a lot and my confidence also. Even when we’re having hard times, the team still have time to joke around to lift the spirit of the team. I’m very satisfied because I’m learning a lot on the path I took and I chose Xentra to be the company I’m going to work with.”
John, however, has the one with the most to say positively about Xentra’s work culture. This is what he shared with us,
“What I loved most about the work culture at Xentra was its collaborative and supportive environment. The team was incredibly open and approachable, which fostered a sense of community and encouraged creative brainstorming. This collaborative spirit made it easy to share ideas and receive constructive feedback, which was invaluable for my growth as a UI/UX designer. Xentra also embraced a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The emphasis on staying updated with the latest design tools and methodologies, along with opportunities to work on diverse projects, allowed me to continuously evolve and adapt in my role. And also, the company’s focus on achieving a balance between work and personal life was greatly appreciated. The flexibility and understanding towards personal responsibilities contributed to a positive work environment where I felt supported both professionally and personally.”
These testimonials highlight the profound impact that Xentra’s work culture has had on our trainees-turned-employees. By fostering an environment of collaboration, support, and personal growth, Xentra not only shapes skilled professionals but also enriches their overall well-being. We are proud of their achievements and remain committed to continuing this supportive culture, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their journey with us.
Leadership Perspective: A Message from the President and Chairman
Mellanie Alpay, the new face of Xentra, as its new president, shares her reflections on the trainees’ growth, the company’s supportive culture, and the future impact of these new employees. First, she encouraged the new employees, inspiring them by saying,
“As someone who once walked in your shoes, I am deeply thankful to the mentors and colleagues who believed in me and guided me to where I am today. Your journey with us is just beginning, and we encourage you to keep learning and gaining new experiences. Embrace changes and challenges as opportunities for growth.”
She also showed the company’s support by adding,
“The Xentra management team is here to support you every step of the way. Remember, this experience is not just about acquiring skills but also about building a strong foundation for your future careers.”
Finally, she imparted these motivating words,
“Keep pushing forward and make the most of this exciting journey!”
Xentra Chairman, Maner Puyawan, is an advocate of inclusivity, which is exemplified at how the company welcomes diverse talents, including those who started as trainees. This creates a work culture where every voice matters, fostering collaboration, and mutual respect. The Chairman is proud of how the entire Xentra team, from trainees to leaders, embodies these values every day, saying,
“Inclusivity is at the heart of who we are at Xentra. We strive to ensure that every individual, regardless of their starting point, feels valued and supported as they grow within our company. From our trainees to our most senior employees, we maintain a culture of mutual respect and collaboration that empowers everyone to contribute their best. As we continue to evolve, this inclusive culture will remain central to our mission, ensuring that Xentra is not just a workplace, but a community where everyone belongs.”
Preparing for the Future: Continuous Career Development
Xentra’s training program has earned praise from partner schools for its effectiveness in preparing trainees for successful careers in the IT industry. By focusing on real-world experience, continuous development, and supportive mentorship, we ensure that our trainees are well-equipped to tackle any challenge they may face.
Not only that, training and working at Xentra means trainees and employees are welcomed as members of the Xentra Family.
Now as we move forward, Xentra remains committed to offering ongoing training and development opportunities for all employees, ensuring that our culture of growth and excellence continues to thrive.
