Tek-Bok BUZZ/Manila Bulletin/ May 7, 2010
Adaptation from the German model
One of the more preferred training modality for enterprise-based training in the Philippines today is the dual training system (DTS) being implemented by TESDA.
The DTS, as its name suggests, is a training modality that combines theoretical and practical training. It is called dual training because learning takes place alternately in two venues: the school or training center and the company or workshop.
In DTS, the school and workplace share the responsibility of providing trainees with well-coordinated learning experiences and opportunities.
This close cooperation between the school and the company ensures that the trainees are fully equipped with employable skills, work knowledge, and attitudes at the end of the training.
The general and occupation-related theoretical instruction provided by the school is complemented by on-the-job training in the workplace. Trainees under the DTS spend at least 40 percent of the training/learning time in school and 60 percent for practical training in
the company.
Dual approach in training
The dual approach in education and training has been put to work in such country programs as apprenticeship, on-the-job training, supervised industry training, practicum and internship.
The German model of the DTS was first introduced in the Philippines in the 1980s through a joint project of the Southeast Asian Science Foundation and the Hanns Seidel Foundation in the pioneer school- Dualtech Training Center.
The Dualtech experience was replicated in select public and private technical schools nationwide by the then Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education in 1991.
In February 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law Republic Act No. 7686 or the Dual Training System Act of 1994 which calls for the institutionalization of the DTS in accredited public and private educational institutions, training centers, and agricultural, industrial and business establishments.
Under the DTS Law, TESDA is mandated to promote, coordinate, and administer the dual training system. The school-industry partnership component of the system is a vital determinant of program success and effectiveness. They start working together in making the training plan and determining the best way by which the trainee can learn as much knowledge and skills during the training period.
Two training venues
In school, the trainee learns basic trade theory, work values, good citizenship, safety and related theory subjects in mathematics, drawing and social sciences.
At the company or workshop, the trainees learn job skills through practical exercises using state of the art technology. Aside from technical skills, the trainees also learn good work habits and how to get along well with others.
The many benefits for the trainee, school or training institution, and the company made the DTS click as a training modality.
The trainees’ access to the expertise and resources available and the well-coordinated delivery of instructional activities in both learning venues guarantees quality and relevant training.
DTS graduates are equipped with up-to-date and appropriate work knowledge, skills and attitudes making them highly competitive and “wanted” in the labor market.
The companies’ participation in drawing up the DTS training plan helps ensure that the workers being trained are the type and quality that industry requires. Optimum use of school and company facilities and resources allows the admission of more trainees- mostly from
poor families who have no means of attending vocational training courses in fee-charging schools and training centers.
More than skilled technicians
Economist Bernardo Villegas reports that DTS graduates in the Philippines are more than just skilled technicians. Besides their technical skills, Villegas adds, they are steeped in virtues and work values that make them contribute significantly to their company’s productivity and esteemed citizen-workers in their communities.
In 2009, there were 348 TESDA accredited companies and 57 schools in the DTS program. Some 1, 009 trainees were enrolled in various training qualifications and 1,187 trainees competed their training during the year.
DTS model implementors include the partnerships of Punlaan School and EDSA Shangri-la Hotel for food and beverage services and Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts and Trades and Fujitso Ten Corporation, Philippines in electronics technology.
Foreign chambers of commerce based in Manila acknowledge the advantages of dual training and the need for students to undergo longer and rigorous internships in companies to equip them with better skills.
Chris Ward, board member of the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, said that there is a need to develop a dual training program where college students will have longer working hours in companies.
The Meralco Technological Institute (formerly Meralco Foundation) has been offering scholarships for two-year DTS courses in automotive and motorcycle technology, industrial mechatronics, refrigeration and air-conditioning, network administration, and marine technology.
For details on TESDA programs and services, call 887-7777, send SMS message 09174794370 (Globe) 09182738232 (Smart) or email <contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph>
