There has been a lot of talk recently about the technical-vocational (tech-voc) industry, and for good reason. Tech-voc offers opportunities for fufilling and high-paying jobs! There are many benefits for taking tech-voc; the program upskills the youth, increases their employability, and fills a growing demand for specialized roles in the workforce. 

These facts are backed up in a report by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 2018. According to TESDA, there are 17,000 job openings for tech-voc grads nationwide! A TESDA research also shows that many tech-voc graduates quickly find jobs after completing their course; 72 out of 100 graduates of the tech-voc program land a job within six months to a year. 

Now is a good time to take up tech-voc, since the national government has been making ways for tech-voc education to be more accessible through free courses! 

 

Check out these free tech-voc courses that lead to high-paying jobs: 

1. Computer Hardware Servicing NC II

Computer Hardware Servicing NC II trains students to diagnose and fix software and hardware problems in computer systems. The course enhances a student’s ability in basic computer application programs (e.g. MS-DOS/ Windows and Linux installation, and PC Software and hardware support). Learn how to perform computer operations, prepare and interpret technical drawings, and install computer systems and networks in this course!

• Duration
  • Divided into 3 modules (total of 391 hours)
    • Basic competencies  (18 hours)
    • Common competencies (54 hours)
    • Core competencies (320 hours)
• Possible careers
  • Computer Service Technician 
  • Computer Repairman 
  • Technical Support Representative
  • IT Technical Support Officer 
  • Computer Hardware Specialist 

2. Commercial Cooking NC II 

Learn food preparation and presentation techniques based on industry standards! This course will teach you how to plan, prepare, and store food, as well as manage kitchen suppliers, observe workplace hygiene procedures, and provide effective customer service.

• Duration 
  • Divided into 3 modules (total of 316 hours)
    • Basic competencies (18 hours)
    • Common competencies (18 hours)
    • Core competencies (280 hours)
• Possible careers
  • Cook
  • Line Cook
  • Chef
  • Commis
  • Kitchen Supervisor 

3. Programming NC IV

Want to design, develop, and write program codes using a computer? Programming NC IV will teach you the stages of program development and fundamental programming techniques. Sign up for this course to learn coding standards, common computer languages, and program development and testing codes.

• Duration
  • Divided into 3 modules (total of 252 hours)
    • Basic competencies (30 hours)
    • Common competencies (18 hours)
    • Core competencies (204 hours)
• Possible careers
  • Software Tester
  • Programmer 
  • Web Developer 
  • Database Administrator

4. Health Care Services NC II

Develop your knowledge and skills in various aspects of patient care. Health Care Services NC II trains students to assist in patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Learn the proper procedure in preparing and maintaining patient beds, transferring patients, applying basic first aid, and responding to challenging patient behaviors.

• Duration
  • Divided into 3 modules (total of 996 hours)
    • Basic competencies (18 hours)
    • Common competencies (18 hours)
    • Core competencies (960 hours)
• Possible careers
  • Nurse Assistant
  • Hospital Patient Care Aide
  • Hospital/ Stay-in Caregiver
  • Nursing Home Caregiver

5. Tour Guiding Services NC II 

Interested in traveling and taking people to beautiful destinations? Tour Guiding Services NC II teaches students how to plan tour programs and itineraries, and how to guide and accompany tourists. Some of the lessons students will learn from the program are confirming schedules with airlines, shipping companies, buses and train companies, planning activities, and accompanying tourists in various destinations.

• Duration
  • Divided into 3 modules (total of 186 hours)
    • Basic competencies (18 hours)
    • Common competencies (28 hours)
    • Core competencies (140 hours)
• Possible careers
  • Sightseeing Tour Guide
  • Adventure and Sport Tour Guides
  • Eco Tour Guide 
  • Tour Coordinator 
  • Travel and Tour Planner
  • Tour Manager/ Director 

Free education and other benefits of the TVET program

The good news: You could take up Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs through any state-run technical-vocational institutions (STVIs) FOR FREE. These STVIs include state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges (LUCs), TESDA Technology Institution (TTIs), and LGU-run training centers that offer training programs under the TESDA Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS).

Other than the free tuition, some tech-voc courses also offer the following benefits: 

• Living allowance (P160/day)
• Instructional materials allowance (P 5,000/qualification)
• National Competency Assessment (i.e. You can get a certification, for higher chances of finding a job.)
• Starter toolkit
• Accident Insurance 

To qualify for a tech-voc program, an applicant must have:

• 10 years of basic education, i.e. must be a high school graduate. (Not a high school graduate? Don’t worry! Find out how you can complete your basic education with the Alternative Learning System.)  
• Other qualifications (Check with your nearest TESDA training center for more details.)

People who are not qualified for free tech-voc benefits:

• Bachelor’s degree holders
• Students already enrolled in TVET programs that are not registered under TESDA
• Certificate or diploma holders of any TVET program NC III and above
• People who voluntarily opt out of free TVET programs

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Want a glimpse of your possible future beyond tech-voc? Check out potential careers you can pursue after you finish your tech-voc course! 

Visit Edukasyon.ph to find different schools and programs that offer TESDA courses near your location.

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