Tesda to launch online tech-voc training program

MANILA, Philippines—Want to learn but can’t go to a training center? Technical-vocational training will soon just be a click away.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will launch this month its free online tech-voc training system in hopes of reaching those raring to take its short courses but do not have access to training centers.

Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva said Tuesday that the agency’s online training program will debut next week in efforts to bring tech-voc education to the grassroots.

“We have been launching mobile training programs around the Philippines.  This time, our theme is if you can’t go to Tesda, Tesda will go to you,” Villanueva said yesterday.

The program is aimed at reaching overseas Filipino workers looking to build new qualifications or trainees in the Philippines who would like to undergo tech-voc training but would like the flexibility of distance learning.

“After the training, you can go to the nearest Tesda-accredited center to get assessed. And if you pass, you already get certified,” said Villanueva.

Under the program, trainees simply have to log on Tesda’s website (www.tesda.gov.ph) to sign up for the program. The web link to program will be revealed in the official launch next week.

Users could then start training in their desired course through modules and videos uploaded on the site. Students may also post questions for trainors, which would then be answered within a few hours, Villanueva said.

“You train at your own pace at your own time,” said Villanueva.

Initially, the online training will offer a course on computer hardware servicing. Villanueva said the agency aims to introduce at least 10 courses in the program by the end of the year.

“This is for the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) who would like to learn skills they can use and, at the same time, for others here who would like to train. Instead of us spending on constructing more buildings for training centers, it’s best that we go online,” Villanueva said.

Tesda also has an ongoing mobile training program where training vans are sent to far-flung provinces to provide training to locals.