TESDA continues to invest in better training

26 July 2013

With the goal of delivering quality technical vocational education and training (TVET) to the youth,  the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) continues to embark on intensive training to give TVET trainers better skills and techniques.

About 1, 700 TVET trainers nationwide have finished the Trainers Methodology Programs from January to May this year.  Majority have undergone competency assessment and have received their National TVET Trainers Certificate.

Trainers Methodology Programs are part of the agency's Trainers Development Program developed and implemented to upgrade the qualifications of TVET trainers as training facilitators, competency assessors, developers and designers.

There are close to 25,000 TVET trainers teaching various qualifications nationwide. They are employed in TESDA technology institutions as well as in other public and private institutions being supervised by TESDA.

"Training the trainers is investment in people, who are in the frontline of our programs," Secretary Joel Villanueva, director general of TESDA, said.

Against the backdrop of rising unemployment and high cost of education, the need for quality TVET courses are greater than ever, according to Villanueva.

"TVET systems in the Philippines and worldwide are under pressure to deal with challenges such as changing technologies, emerging in-demand jobs and new competencies.  The trainers should be able to impart these to their trainees," he added.

The TM programs are being offered by 47 TVET institutions across the country, in which 80 percent are TESDA Technology Institutions, while 20 percent are mostly privately owned.

They have been considered priority qualifications for funding this year under the TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program.

Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), VIII (Eastern Visayas) and NCR have the biggest number of institutions that offer the program.

After completing the programs, the trainers undergo competency assessment to be certified by TESDA. As of May 2013, the average certification rate nationwide is 76 percent.

The trainers were assessed by a three-member panel of TM experts who conducted the interview, evaluated the demonstration of facilitating learning session and conducting competency assessment competencies, and assessed their portfolio consisting of sample session plan, learning materials and assessment tools, among others.

The National Competency Certificate issued to passers of the assessment is valid for five years.