TVET PROGRAMS

All post-secondary, technical vocational courses registered under the Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS) are being delivered by a more than 500 private and public technical vocational institutions (TVIs) in Central Luzon. The registered courses number more than 2,600. These schools and their course offerings are being monitored following the UTPRAS guidelines, relevant education laws, and the implementing rules and regulations under the Philippine TVET Qualification Framework (PTQF).

This refers to the training programs that are specifically designed to answer the needs of the barangays. The training programs being conducted are basic capability building courses that aim to enhance the citizens productivity thru productive livelihood endeavors and self-employment. The target beneficiaries include the poor and under privileged residents such as out of school youth, women, and unemployed adults; marginalized groups (subsistence farm workers, fisher folks), indigenous people, and even the members of the informal sector.

Community-based training programs (CBT) utilizes the convergence approach in its implementation. Its is carried out in partnership with local government units, non-government groups, civic, religious, and people's organizations, politicians, and other national government agencies.

TESDA provides technical assistance in CBT. it provides the standard training module/s and related equipment, supplies and materials; recommends qualified trainer/s; approves fitness of training venue; co-sign the training certificates; conduct competency assessment and certification, conduct monitoring and evaluation; and if possible, facilitate the provision of starter tool kits to graduates.

There are three training modalities being implemented in partnership with companies/establishments. These are:

• Apprenticeship Program – a training and employment program involving a contract between an apprentice and an employer on an approved apprenticeable occupation. Generally, it aims to provide a mechanism that will ensure availability of qualified skilled workers based on industry requirements. The period of apprenticeship covers a minimum of four (4) months to a maximum of six (6) months. Only companies with approved and registered Apprenticeship Program under TESDA can hire apprentices.

• Learnership Program – is a practical training on-the-job for approved learnable occupations for a period not exceeding three (3) months. Only companies with TESDA approved and registered Learnership Program can hire learners.

• Dual Training System - The DTS is a unique and most suitable training modality as the training takes place in the school/training center and in the partner-company within a period of one and a half to two years. It is a type of training modality that employs an active partnership between the business enterprises and technical vocational schools, thereby ensuring a steady supply of best job-fit and ready workers to the industry. Its legal basis is RA 7686, or the DTS Act of 1994.

Under the DTS, the training is tailor-fit based on the actual needs of the accredited partner industries, including their employment requirements (physical and behavioral domain of workers). Participating companies are assured of savings and returns in their investments thru tax incentives and less labor costs apart from having desirable and competent workers who are trained in accordance to their needs, standards, and facilities.

Benefits for the Company:

a. DTS minimizes recruitment expenses. It ensures a ready pool of manpower. It helps reduce/ lower turnover.

b. DTS helps save in production, maintenance and administrative cost and it also aids in the reduction of training expenses.

c. DTS helps companies avail of tax incentives. The Dual Training System Law provides a host of benefits to participating schools and companies. Tax deduction from taxable income for Dual Training expenses, donations and contributions is granted to participating establishments. Schools/ training centers are entitled to tax- free importation of equipment, apparatus and materials.

Benefits for the School/Training Center:

a. The DTS ensures that an updated curriculum is maintained as there is an active participation from the industry players. The training plan, which forms part of the curriculum, is designed according to feasibility and effectiveness in its delivery.

b. DTS also helps in resource optimization. This means the full use of school and company facilities and resources allows the admission of more trainees. While the DTS trainees are in their in-plant training, the equipment and facilities can be used by other students.

c. There is regular feedback to and from the industries thru industrial coordinator (school-based staff). He/she monitors the performance of the trainees in the workplace and makes sure that the right skills are learned according to the training plan.

d. There is advent exposure to the latest technology. The trainees' access to the expertise and resources available and the well-coordinated delivery of instructional activities in learning venues, guarantees quality and relevant training aside from their readiness to the expected working environment.

Benefits for the DTS Trainees:

a. Trainees develop proper work attitudes. Aside from technical skills, the trainees also learn proper work habits, and how to get along well with the company staff and workers.

b. They are able to apply the theories learned in school. The general and occupation-related theoretical instruction provided by the school is complemented by their training in the workplace. It also helps them cope with the real world of work.

c. DTS trainees are equipped with appropriate work knowledge, skill and attitudes making them highly competitive and in demand in the labor market. The technology used in a way dictates the likely knowledge, skills and attitudes to be possessed by the trainees.

d. Most of all, DTS trainees become responsible and productive workers. DTS ensures that trainees undergo systematic development of trade skills and knowledge making them productive and responsible community members.