Due to disruptions brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has released a new set of regulations for technical-vocational education and training (TVET) providers offering enterprise-based training (EBT).
TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña just signed TESDA Circular No. 80 series of 2020, or the “Enterprise-Based Training (EBT) Guidelines Under the New Normal Environment” which imposes the observation of necessary measures and protocols to keep the safety of learners and trainers.
The circular covers the Dual Training System (DTS)/Dualized Training Program (DTP), Supervised Industry Learning (SIL), Apprenticeship, Learnership, Program on Accelerating Farm School Establishment (PAFSE), and In-Company or on-site training arrangements, including other industry-based training programs.
The new circular stipulates that TESDA Circular No. 66-A s. 2020 on “Amended/Supplemental Guidelines on the TVET Arrangements Towards the New Normal During the Covid-19 Crisis” shall be observed by all TVET providers offering EBT programs.
The existing EBT Operational Guidelines including, but not limited to, provisions on Partnership, Training Program, Training Plan, Status of Trainee, Financing Scheme and Incentives, and the Guidelines for onsite training arrangement with regard to Construction and Farm School, shall still be adopted in the implementation of the EBT programs under the new normal environment.
Under the DTS/DTP and SIL, the Training Plan (TP) indicating the mode of learning, training delivery scheme and safety protocols to be adopted shall be submitted to the Provincial Office for approval and monitoring purposes.
The TPs of Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) with on-going in-plant training may be revised to adjust to the prescribed training delivery scheme and appropriate flexible learning arrangements for approval of the Provincial Director.
TVIs and their partner companies in DTS/DTP and SIL implementation shall adhere to the TESDA Circular No. 62, s. 2020 on Guidelines in Implementing Flexible Learning in TVET for the in-school training component.
Flexible learning delivery arrangements include face-to-face, online, blended, and distance learning, including a combination of distance learning and face-to-face learning.
For local government units (LGUs) under Modified General Community Quarantine, face-to-face learning may be conducted at up to 50 percent training capacity provided there is prior consultation with the LGUs, and strict compliance with minimum public health standards and TESDA guidelines.
In-plant training can resume depending on the location of the partner company and their status under the IATF assessment.
Partner companies, regardless of business size, may revise their Training Plan (TP) to comply with safety protocols provided that they inform the TESDA Regional/Provincial Office of their revisions. They shall be responsible in ensuring that the minimum health standards prescribed by the government are strictly observed in the in-plant training phase.
Establishments/companies with Apprenticeship and Learnership Programs, farm schools covered by PAFSE, and entities with in-company/on-site training arrangements and/or industry- based training programs shall also strictly follow the training and administrative arrangements set in the new EBT guidelines.