Choosing the Right Tech-Voc Course for You
In a nutshell, Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) courses are part of the non-formal education in the Philippines. Under the Republic Act 7796, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is mandated to provide technical education and skills development programs for the Filipino learners. The tech-voc programs allow out-of-school-youth and other interested students to learn practical skills that will prepare them for employment.
Over the last years, more and more individuals are enrolling to TESDA-certified short courses being offered by various institutions throughout the country. In an October 2017 survey report of the Philippine Statistics Authority1 more than 2 million individuals enrolled and graduated under the Technical-Vocational Education and Training programs.
Here are some of the most common questions you’ve probably asked yourself about Tech-Voc:
Who can study Tech-Voc courses?
Tech-Voc programs are open to all individuals even without college degrees, though there are documents enrollees may be required to submit such as picture, birth certificate, high school diploma, or Alternative Learning System certificate.
Tech-Voc primarily involves theoretical and practical training in the acquisition of relevant skills for various occupations across different economic sectors. The short courses usually range from 2 months to 1 year programs.
What are the benefits of studying Tech-Voc courses?
Studying tech-voc courses serves many purposes. It provides students with extensive hands-on training required in actual industries and other practical assessments. The curriculum is also composed of competency standards required for effective work performance as prescribed by industry experts. Taking short vocational courses also helps in expanding opportunities and gaining new skills for those who want to level up in their careers or venture to new businesses.
What are the industries related to Tech-Voc?
Graduates of vocational courses can get into a wide range of industries which include Agri-fishery, Home Economics, Industrial Arts, and Information, Communications and Technology (ICT). These courses can be also be availed of through schools, community training centers, and enterprise-based programs. You can review a list of the available TESDA short-courses in the country through Edukasyon.ph.
Another TESDA initiative worth noting is that it offers specialized training centers such as the TESDA Women’s Training Centers (TWC) and the Language Skills Institute (LSI).
What are the certifications in the Technical-Vocational Education (TVET) System?
TVET follows a competency-based assessment that evaluates students through practical tests, oral and written exams, portfolio, or work projects that will determine if the competency has been achieved or not.
A National Certificate is awarded to candidates who did well in all units of competency required of a Qualification. A Certificate of Competency, on the other hand, is given to individuals who have satisfactorily demonstrated competence on a particular unit or cluster of competency. The two certifications are valid for five years.
How much does it cost to study Tech-Voc?
There are available TESDA accredited centers that offer free trainings to students. Tuition fee of some schools that offer short courses ranges from Php 1,000-10,000, while the assessment fees are from Php 400-2,000.
If you think Tech-Voc is the right path for you, start reviewing their profiles and available courses on Edukasyon.ph and see a list of TESDA centers near you.
1 Reference: http://www.tesda.gov.ph/Download/Tvet_trends
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