The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is significantly enhancing its services to provide clearer career progression and improve job placement opportunities for Filipino students, as announced by Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez, TESDA Director General. This expansion aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a more robust and accessible technical vocational education and training (TVET) system, as highlighted in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“From senior high school all the way through college, students’ options should be clear,” stated Secretary Benitez on Wednesday. “No dream of a young Filipino should be left without a path to achieve it.”
President Marcos Jr. previously announced the integration of TESDA’s TVET programs into the senior high school curriculum. This initiative empowers students with diverse field choices upon graduation.
To further support this, TESDA is implementing continuous assessment for senior high school students, allowing them to earn certifications for their skills and knowledge even before graduation. Last year alone, approximately 175,000 high school graduates received National Certification Levels II (NC2) and III (NC3) certificates. Recent business and industry surveys indicate that four out of five companies are willing to hire senior high school students who possess these valuable credentials.
In a move to foster more evident career progression, TESDA is also developing higher-level National Certifications (NCs). Furthermore, TESDA is streamlining its registry and training services by converging with the Department of Labor and Employment’s web-based job-matching portal, PhilJobNet, to create a seamless transition from training to employment.
Under President Marcos Jr.’s directive, TESDA’s services will soon be accessible through the eGovPH super app, making it even easier for students and job seekers to connect with the resources they need.
This comprehensive approach by TESDA aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that young Filipinos are well-equipped with the skills and certifications necessary for quality jobs and successful careers.
