TESDA partners with SM to strengthen apprenticeship program

December 22, 2022

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with SM Retail, Inc. (SMRI) to boost the former’s implementation of the enterprise-based training (EBT) program.

Last December 12, TESDA Director General Danilo P. Cruz and SMRI Senior Vice President Elenita Hernandez signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Apprenticeship Program particularly for Customer Services NC II, and Warehousing NC II.

Under the agreement, TESDA and SMRI intend to provide skills training and livelihood opportunities to the communities where SM operates to address unemployment and empower the marginalized sector.

Specifically, TESDA shall assist in the accreditation of SM apprenticeship programs, provide a list of accredited assessment centers and issue National Certificates to beneficiaries who pass the assessment.

For its part, the SMRI shall facilitate employment to the qualified graduate and coordinate with its affiliates regarding the accreditation, implementation, and monitoring of the apprenticeship programs.

TESDA and SM have been collaborating in providing quality TVET programs to Filipinos. Last September 7, TESDA Region III, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), and other government agencies partnered for the project “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan TESDA - Enterprise-Based Training in Customer Service NCII and Warehousing NC II Programs”.

Initially, SMRI intends to expand the program in other regions such as the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions IV-A and V, and target 1,500 to 2,000 apprentices in its initial implementation.

DG Cruz said that public-private partnership is vital in ensuring quality TVET for Filipinos. He said that strengthening the implementation of the EBT will allow trainees to experience actual enterprise training.

“With this partnership, our learners will not only expand their skills and knowledge but will also be confident enough to explore bigger opportunities as soon as they complete their training,” the TESDA Chief said.

Meanwhile, also present during the signing were TESDA Deputy Director General Tonisito Umali, TESDA Executive Director Juliet Orozco, SMRI Assistant VP for Human Resources Dorothy Sobrevega, and SMRI consultant and former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque. (30)