TESDA inks MOA with vehicle firms for trainings

By Jhodie Flor Carpio and SNMP

BAGUIO CITY -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Baguio forged partnerships with five industries to strengthen and expand its partnership with sectors.
    A memorandum of agreement was signed here recently at Lafayette Hotel among Tesda officials and business groups.
All, except for Toyota Baguio, forged a partnership with the training center for the first time.
    Three of the industries were from the automotive sector -- Toyota Baguio, GR Tuning Autoshop, and Marcos Highway Diesel Calibration Shop.
    The other two, GEGA Engineering and Construction Services and Gegasa Engineers and Construction Services are from the Construction sector.
    The agreement was for the Supervised Industry Learning Program under the enterprise-based learning program.
Both parties agreed to enhance TVET programs, venue for industry experience and immersion of trainees, curriculum enhancement and placement referrals.
    Regional director Jeffrey Ian C. Dy said one of objectives of enterprise based training was to train individuals to become “highly employable”.
    “Maraming matutulungan itong kabataan ,ang ibibigay ninyong craftsmanship doon sa bata ay yung gagamitin talaga nila direct to employment, that’s how important these types of training are,” he said.
    He added partnering with private institutions in skills training and development was crucial for the training center to provide a high standard of training delivery to their learners.
    “Innovation and technology have been a top agenda of Tesda,” he said. “Despite effects of the pandemic, the training center is stepping up its collaboration with private sectors and other government institutions.”
    RTC Administrator Felixberto B. Matute, Jr. cited partnership in helping  learners get employment opportunities and work experience.
    MOA signatories said they were committed to the agreement. “Before wala pong private institution to offer automotive courses and basically talagang mga technicians po namin ay fruit po ng Tesda, without them hindi po kami makakapag repair ng sasakyan po na nakikita natin everywhere so it’s a privilege for us to be part of this partnership,” said Rainel Calagui, after-sales manager of Toyota Baguio.