COTABATO CITY – About 500 industry workers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are expected to avail of free competency assessment and certification this year under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The National Technical-Vocational Competency Assessment and Certification, implemented by TESDA, promotes technical-vocational education and trainings as well as strengthen the competency program for skilled workers to match the industry’s needs.
Such program refers to synchronized conduct of competency assessment and certification at the regional and provincial levels in identified key sectors, or qualifications.
It is aimed at expanding the clients’ access to assessment and certification program; enhancing competitiveness, employability and productivity of workers; and upgrading the qualification of existing workers, trainers and assessors.
It is funded by TESDA’s Training for Work Scholarship Program that seeks to improve the reach quality of technical skills. Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, TESDA-ARMM executive director, explained that the assessment and certification program is offered free by the government.
The regional TESDA office provides all the necessary materials during the examination and skills training. The primary purpose of this exercise is to assist skilled workers in elevating their competency further.
On July 31, a total of 14 industry workers took the assessment at the Regional Manpower Development Center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. For ARMM, 500 slots have been allocated under the program; about 175, or 35%, of this year’s target covers Grades 9 and 10 Technology and Livelihood Education teachers in support of the K to 12 program implementation.
The other 325 slots are for workers, industry practitioners, professionals and career shifters, trainers of private and public technical vocational institutions, public utility vehicle drivers and returning overseas Filipino workers.
“Having a certification in a chosen field can lead to jobs for those seeking employment, high position in their current work, and higher paying jobs locally and abroad,” said Jaafar.
To avail of the free assessment and certification, applicants may visit the TESDA training office in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao or call (064) 429-0091 / 0917-6224409 and look for the administrator, Engr. Bangon S. Sumunsang. (Bureau of Public Information)
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