Philippinen: Abkommen für verbessertes Ausbildungssystem mit der Wirtschaft unterzeichnet

TESDA inks pact with business sector for enhanced training system

In an aim to improve the enterprise-based Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in the country, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) inked a partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to set up a Nationwide Pre-employment Dual Education and Training System (NPDETS).

The NPDETS, to be established under the “TESDA-PCCI Partnership on Strengthened Enterprise-Based TVET System in the Philippines,” aims to nationalize the Dual Education and Training (DET) system in the country – an approach piloted by PCCI in 2014 through its Human Resources Development Foundation, in which students are trained both in schools and in companies, a model which was proven to increase chances of employment in developed countries like Germany.

The same instructional method has been utilized by TESDA since the promulgation of Republic Act No. 7686, or the Dual Training System (DTS) Act of 1994, that implements a training plan collaboratively designed by accredited institutions and training centers, including business establishments, ensuring the effective sharing of industry skills and knowledge on recent and developing technologies.

“As TESDA works towards becoming the transformational leader in the technical education and skills development of the Filipino workforce, we make sure to be constantly updated on various industries’ trends and best practices, which also involves convergence with other institutions such as PCCI,” TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña said.

Lapeña, PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, and PCCI Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF) President Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr.  signed the memorandum of agreement on Jan. 16 at the TESDA Boardroom in Taguig City.

As with the DTS, under DET, students who have taken their respective TVET trainings will benefit from the combination of practical, on-the-job, enterprise-based training, and theoretical education.

“Once operationalized, our ACES (business associations, chambers, enterprises, and schools) will be able to take more active roles in establishing competency standards, developing curriculum and training plans, as well as conducting assessment and certification of students/trainees,” Fenix said.

Activities for this partnership entail the identification of priority industry sectors where DET will be implemented. Priority sectors include agriculture, hotel and restaurant/tourism, construction, and information and communications technology.

ACES, in partnership with TESDA, will be able to identify qualifications and competencies from these sectors which will translate into the development of DET programs for replication.

The training regulations developed will help students/trainees meet expected training outcomes sought by priority sectors.

Furthermore, NPDETS will capacitate and accredit ACES, set up assessment procedures, and establish a joint-certification system recognized by both the business sector and TESDA.