TESDA highlights importance of 'industry partners' to further strengthen tech-voc training

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) emphasized the importance of industry partners, saying that they play a vital role to further strengthen the technical and vocational education and training (TVET)in the country.
TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña said that partnerships are important not just with the industry and employers, but also with those who are in the legislature and local government units (LGUs).
“Our coordination and cooperation among all these sectors help make Philippine TVET as responsive and dynamic as possible,” said Lapeña in a statement.
He said that TESDA has “shifted from a supply-driven to a more demand-driven and area-based TVET to make it more responsive to the critical needs of the industries and stakeholders.”
“Area-based and demand-driven strategy in TVET also serve as an alternative pathway to prepare for future jobs and training needs in the area,” said Lapeña.
“This strategic shift puts premium importance on the stakeholders, as we move to establish not just partnerships, but lasting relationship with our partners,” he added.
“Through the delivery of programs according to area-based priority needs, we can further enhance the employability and productivity of our graduates,” he furthered.
Last Nov. 11, the TESDA conducted the “2021 National Industry Forum” with a theme “Bridging Skills Supply and Demand Gaps through the Industry Tie-ups.” This event was aimed at strengthening its partnership with stakeholders amid the pandemic.
“The forum likewise aimed to encourage the participation of more potential partners to engage in the provision of quality tech-voc in the country,” said TESDA.