Can’t go to a Tesda training center? You can log on wherever you are

MANILA, Philippines—If a student can’t go to the training center, the mountain will come to him.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will launch on Monday a free online tech-voc training program to reach those who want to take short courses but do not have access to training centers or prefer to take up distance learning.

Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva said the online training program which was pilot-tested in December would 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.

The program is also aimed at reaching overseas Filipino workers looking to acquire new skills or those who would like to undergo tech-voc training but would prefer the flexibility of distance learning.

“After the training, you can go to the nearest Tesda-accredited center to get assessed.  If you pass, you will be certified,” said Villanueva.

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

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

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

Villanueva said Tesda aims to introduce at least 10 courses under the program by the end of the year. Initially, it will offer a course on computer hardware servicing.

“This is for the OFWs 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.