State of vocational education

This column received feedback from a government agency involved in education, particularly the promotion of technical skills training. Ma. Susan Dela Rama, executive director of TESDA, shared with us some of the challenges that the agency faces, and how it is trying to cope. Please read on.

“We read with keen interest your June 3, 2011 column that appeared in The Philippine Star, and share your concern about the growing number of out-of-school youth in the country.

“Indeed, it is a problem that needs to be addressed and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recognizes its role in pitching in to the comprehensive solution so that no child will be left behind.

“TESDA has various scholarship programs that it funds solely or with the assistance of the private sector, including the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA).

“However, it acknowledges that it could not offer a cure-all balm to the country’s dropout woes.

Budget cut

“One major restraint was the big cut in the agency’s funding from the 2009 budget of close to P6 billion to P700 million in 2011.

“As much as we want to, fewer scholars would be accommodated because of the shrinking budget.

“Rest assured, however, that we are continuously strengthening our linkages with the private sector and other institutions that will help us provide the free training and assessment to our youth.

“Even as TESDA offers these scholarships, it guards against the production of diploma-mill graduates and has implemented tighter controls against the proliferation of the fly-by-night technical-vocational schools offering courses without the necessary accreditation and permit.

“TESDA’s Charter allows us only to discontinue training programs, but not close down the school. This is why we turn to local government units to help safeguard the community, particularly students and parents from being victimized by unregistered schools.

“What TESDA offers are courses that are relevant to the needs of the market to give its graduates a high chance of getting jobs after finishing their course.

Not just a scrap of paper

“Lastly, we beg to disagree that having the TESDA certification after being assessed is tantamount to having a mere possession of a scrap of paper. In a number of foreign and local companies, such as the PLDT and Ayala Corp., TESDA certification has been made a requirement for employment.

“In the case of overseas Filipino workers, being a TESDA certified worker means that they have undergone re-tooling, re-training or are undergoing training to further hone their skills to match the market needs. The certificate also serves as proof that the worker has met standards of the qualification.

“We hope this information will help enrich your future columns.”

Enhancing existing vocational training

The next letter sender has sent a sort of advert. Stephen Berry is the president of Scientific Management Techniques Inc., and even if the company’s focus is in skills training of employees (not on youth as was the focus of my column), it could provide some new ideas that could help our current systems. The following is his take:

“I recently read an article you authored discussing vocational training and the requirement to enhance existing programs. It is in this regard that I am contacting you today. I believe my organization’s tools and methodology can help you achieve your objectives.

“I have introduced this solution to TESDA. Our solution is specific to the skill set critical in the manufacturing world. We impact any environment where mechanical and electrical knowledge/orientation is compulsory for productive employment. You will find our program in manufacturing facilities around the world.

“Scientific Management Techniques has been improving manufacturing workforce skills globally since 1970. Our program is unique, highly effective, and cost efficient. The curriculum is customizable and is particularly effective in an environment where industry, education organizations, and workforce professionals collaborate to improve workforce skills.

Track record

“The effectiveness of this program has been validated by 40 years of success in industry and by dozens of validation studies conducted by industrial and organizational psychologists. This is an exceptionally effective program.

“We provide “training” and “assessment” programs that drive productivity in manufacturing. Our training curriculum has been structured with extensive input from our global manufacturing clients. This program trains to the specific skill sets these manufacturers have identified as critical for employees to be successful and provide long-term benefit to the manufacturer.

“It is the nature of the curriculum development that makes our solution uniquely effective in a relatively short period of time. We have programs in place to train-the-trainer our methods.

Replicating conditions at work

“The program incorporates many hands-on training aids that replicate conditions found in any production facility. Students work with the same systems and machine/electrical parts they will encounter in industry.

“Our program consists of 23 volumes with 77 units, over 200 hours of basic and advanced mechanical & electrical training.

“We have been improving manufacturing workforce skills for 40 years and I am confident our program can help you achieve your workforce objectives. I have included some information to familiarize you with our program.” –Rey Gamboa (The Philippine Star)

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.