What is TESDA?

Introduction

The skill and learning gap in the Philippines’ education system has been a concerning issue for the longest time. Additionally, a lack of competencies and technical skills prevents individuals from accessing better career opportunities. Therefore, TESDA is a great initiative that the Philippine government established to facilitate relevant skills and knowledge for Filipinos.

What is TESDA?

TESDA stands for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and it is one of the primary and most influential government agencies. It is an authoritative government body that facilitates free education for all Filipinos via online courses. Also, they provide in-person training on varied vocational courses, enhancing individuals' technical capabilities. Trainees receive a certificate after the successful completion of the course and are eligible to work locally and abroad after training.

TESDA offers these courses for free, allowing any eager student or individual to learn a specific skill without worrying about bearing the expenses. Apart from providing technical-vocational training, it also accredits institutions offering technical courses.

Hence, TESDA has established a set of criteria and standards to ensure that the institutes provide quality training and education to students. It provides NC and COC certifications to those who qualify and pass the exams. Besides, national and international companies accept TESDA certifications and diplomas as legitimate qualifications.

Mission of TESDA

President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 7796 in August 1994; the Act is also known as the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994. Furthermore, the Act aims to motivate and organize businesses, local government, and technical vocational institutions to strengthen the nation’s human resources.

What are the TESDA programs?

A comprehensive development plan for middle-level individuals based on the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan is a significant goal of TESDA. Moreover, some of the important TESDA programmes are as follows:

TVET Programmes

With new and emerging technologies disrupting the workplace, organisations require skilled and competent individuals with specific capabilities. Therefore, TESDA encourages direct training initiatives, helping to provide equal provision for TESD programmes.

The TVET programme training is of four types: school-based, centre-based, business-based, and community-based. Furthermore, fifty-seven TESDA-administered schools and sixty training centres execute these programs.

In addition, enterprise-based training through DTS/apprenticeship and community-based training in collaboration with LGUs also conduct these programs.

However, a recent study by the office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalion indicated that only 0.2 percent, or 31 percent, of TESDA-accredited TVET programmes, prepare learners for NC level IV. Also, the other percentages are as follows:

• 3.7 percent, or 548 TVET programmes
• NC I (7.3%) and NC II (79%) relate to 86.3 percent of TESDA-accredited TVET programs.

It is noteworthy to point out that workers or individuals with NC level IV certificates excel in a wide range of activities, including leadership and organisational skills. Nonetheless, most of the trainees possess entry-level skills through NC I and NC II. Also, a limited number of students go through NC III and NC IV.

TESDA recognises these facts and has taken a few significant initiatives, including signing 649 memoranda of agreement and 15 memoranda of understanding. Furthermore, it signed two memoranda of partnership in collaboration with public and private organizations. These initiatives are a positive step towards enhancing the TVET sector.

Also, as a strategic move to support the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, TESDA has been developing a roadmap for the next five years. Hence, it includes strategies and plans of action to restyle, reskill, and digitalize approaches.

Competency Standards Development

Competency standards development is a critical component of the TESDA that ensures that the institute and courses meet industry and national criteria. In fact, the government agency establishes and maintains competency standards and assessment tools.

Furthermore, industry stakeholders get technical assistance through the programme, which also helps to ensure that employees meet TESDA-set standards. Besides, the programme is instrumental in identifying gaps in workers’ skills and providing ways to address these gaps.

• Individuals will learn about the utilization of required resources in workplaces and the appropriate techniques to use them.
• They must learn the importance of environmental literacy, environmental work procedures, waste minimization, and efficient energy consumption.
• They will determine the causes of inefficiency through deductive reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, and observation skills.
• Trainees will improve their written and oral communication and observation skills.

In addition, TESDA ensures that Filipino workers meet the requirements of the ever-changing organisational sector and global economy.

Competency assessment and certification

The assessment and certification system helps to evaluate an individual’s skills and knowledge for a particular field or profession. Moreover, it enables TESDA to assess a trainee’s competency level and provide a certification indicating proficiency in certain subjects.

Furthermore, national and international organisations recognise the certificate, which reflects one’s expertise in specific fields.

Programme registration and accreditation

Enrolling in the TESDA programme requires registration and accreditation; hence, to register, applicants must provide ID proof, academic records, etc. Moreover, accreditation is a vital procedure that verifies whether the applicants meet the programme’s prerequisites.

Following approval, the applicant can enrol in the programme and initiate their training for specific courses or programs. Also, if they have the right credentials, they can reap the benefits of many TESDA programs.

Training Regulations

Training regulations form the core of all successful TESDA programmes, which adhere to the regulations that the agency has outlined. Consequently, it ensures that institutes provide high-quality training and support services.

The norms and policies make sure that the trainees learn the necessary skills and competencies, making them employment-ready. Some of the examples of TESDA regulations are as follows:

• It ensures that qualified trainers facilitate quality training and educational services.
• It sets minimum standards regarding course duration and content.
• Provides an evaluation mechanism to evaluate the trainee’s competency.

TESDA Training Centre Services

Conduct of Assessment and Certification TVET graduates or workers go through assessments to indicate if they meet the prerequisites for national or competency certificates.

Application for Scholarships and Employment This service relates to the individuals’ registration and enrollment who aspire to join a certain programme that the training centre provides.

Conduct of Competency Assessment The process includes undergoing an assessment that helps determine the skills and competency of the individuals. Additionally, it includes obtaining the National Certificate for TVET workers or graduates.

Issuance of a Certificate of Training Trainees receive certificates of training after completing a TESDA-approved training program.

Replacement of the Lost Training Certificate Graduates who lost their training certificate can replace it by appealing to the institute with the help of this service.

Community-based Training TESDA provides community-based training for individuals who are eager to improve their skills and knowledge for better employment opportunities.

Customer Inquiry and Feedback Through Public Assistance and the Complaint Desk The agency provides the necessary information regarding the courses and training to walk-in individuals.

Customer Inquiry and Feedback Through Calls The hotline number is a great way through which the agency helps individuals with the necessary information, helping them to make informed decisions.

Conduct of the Training Induction Programme Trainees undergo an induction programme at the beginning of a training programme, which gives them an overview of the organisation and its services. Also, they learn about the rules and policies of the training.

Payment of the Training Support Fund The scholars who take part in the various training programmes conducted via TWSP, STEP, UAQTEA, and PESFA receive a training support fund.

Dormitory Services Specific training centres of the organisation provide dormitories for their external clients.

How Do I Apply for a TESDA Assessment?

One of the first steps to receiving training and accessing employment opportunities is applying for TESDA assessments. However, if you are unemployed and eager to upskill yourself or find a job, take a look at TESDA’s job opportunities and start your application process.

• Step 1: Apply for evaluation at a TESDA-accredited assessment centre, TESDA district, or provincial office.
• Step 2: Submit the application form after filling it out with the necessary details and a self-assessment guide. Also, you must submit three passport-size colored photos in formal attire with a white background.
• Step 3: Pay the assessment fee to the cashier at the assessment centre and retrieve an official receipt and admission slip.
• Step 4: Attend the assessment on the scheduled date and specified venue as indicated on the admission slip that you need to bring on the evaluation day.
• Step 5: Get your Competency Assessment Result Summary at the examination centre (CARS).
• Step 6: Applicants must apply for the certification at the TESDA District/Provincial Office under the testing centre’s authority.
• Step 7: Individuals who pass the test will receive an NC (National Certificate) or COC (Certificate of Completion) seven days after completing their application process.