Tesda: Social media provides graduates of tech-voc courses job opportunities   

Are you a technical vocational graduate looking for a job? Use social media to your advantage.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Director General Joel Villanueva said Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites can be used to market the graduate’s skills, and at the same time allow him to connect with potential employers.

“Social media sites offer a creative and meaningful way to connect with a huge audience, including potential employers,” Villanueva said, noting that the platforms could also be used to promote technical vocational education in general.

He cited as examples the graduates who joined the recently concluded Tesda Video Making Contest, who he said began “sharing their success stories to inspire others.”

The winners for the individual category and the school category for the Best in Story, Best in Video, People’s Choice Award and the Tatak Tesda Grand Winner were recognized last May 12.

Some winners were the Westmin Institute of Technology Inc., Region IX and graduate Celso Pobadora Jr. (Automotive Servicing NC II), who won the grand prize and the best in story awards.

The best in video award was given to the East and West Center for Excellence in Training Corp., Region IV-A and graduate Rodalyn Pumupula (Finishing Course for Call Center Agent)., while the people’s choice award was given to the United Christian Academy College of Asia, NCR and graduate Imee Gorobat (Bookkeeping NC III).

Judges for the competition were Eugenio Villareal, chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB); Herman Basbano, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas; Ramon “Bong” Osorio, vice president and head of corporate communications of ABS-CBN network; Francis Cardona, chief operating officer of Radio Corporation of the Philippines; Dante Velasco, former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications; Rachelle Villanueva-Munji from the Las Piñas City government; and, Rosauro “Uro” Dela Cruz, film writer and director.

“By now, the stories of hundreds of our tech-voc graduates who took part in the Tesda video contest have already been viewed by thousands.  Opportunities may just come knocking one of these days,” Villanueva said.

“Because of quality and relevant training, better opportunities now await them. The future is no longer uncertain for them,” he added.