22 February 2015
Facing a unique challenge in building the skills capacity of its future workers, Cambodia has turned to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for an enriching exposure on technical vocational education and training (TVET).
From February 16 to 18, a total of 20 high level officials of Cambodia's Ministry of Labor and Technical-vocational Training and National Training Board came to the Philippines to get hands-on experience of the Philippines' TVET system.
"The international study tour was part of a program of the guest country to allow their senior officials and trainers to take a peek at our TVET policies, programs and practices in the Philippines," said TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva.
"We hope TESDA has given them valuable lessons in skills development that they can bring and adapt," he said.
Late last year, Cambodia received assistance from the Asian Development Bank to work for a project entitled Strengthening Technical Vocational and Training, which includes strengthening the institutional capacity of its TVET officials and trainers to plan and manage TVET in their country.
The TVET system remains in its infancy in Cambodia and needs reforms and resources to address gaps in access, quality and institutional capacity to make a sustained contribution to its national economy through quality education and training.
In its letter to TESDA, the business consultancy group Kath Marnane and Associates said the Philippines was chosen "as a good practice example due to its well-structured, organized and systemized TVET system, practices and policy.”
"Cambodia is very much interested in learning, through Philippine examples, ways in which to build a strong and proactive TVET that contributes positives to building a human resource capital which in turn will improve the economic conditions of the country," it added.
The Cambodian visitors personally met with TESDA officials in a visit to the TESDA office in Taguig City. They were introduced to the Philippine Qualification Framework, Quality Assurance and TESD Management.
The delegates also visited TVET training Institutions, including the Monark Foundation Institute, Lyceum University of the Philippines, TESDA Women's Center, University of Makati, Toyota Motors Philippines Technology School and Meralco Foundation Inc.
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