NEARLY 900 job seekers from across Batangas participated in the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) job fair organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which offered more than 7,000 local and overseas job openings. At least 200 applicants secured employment on the spot during the event held in Batangas City.
According to TESDA Batangas, the event offered around 7,000 job vacancies from 31 participating companies, including 22 local and nine overseas employers. At least 200 applicants were hired on the spot during the fair.
The WCO is an annual flagship program of TESDA designed to link Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates with potential employers, matching their skills with available jobs. It also serves as a one-stop employment hub, where various national government agencies assist job seekers in processing their documentary requirements.
TESDA Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo Colambo said the program plays a vital role in addressing job-skill mismatch in the country.
“The WCO gives our TVET graduates greater access to industry partners, allowing them to secure jobs more quickly. We also work closely with employer groups in designing and aligning training programs with TESDA standards,” Colambo said.
He added that TESDA continues to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to train Tech-Voc teachers and help them obtain National Certificate (NC) II qualifications to improve their teaching of technical skills.
Colambo also highlighted that all TESDA courses are free of charge, enabling individuals to complete short-term training programs in just over a month and gain employable skills or start small livelihoods.
Meanwhile, TESDA and the Batangas City Agriculture Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen coordination in implementing training programs, particularly through the sharing of facilities and trainers to expand skills development in the city.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
