Taking up Techvoc courses encouraged

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

Tuesday 11th of September 2012

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Sept. 11(PIA)- –The youth, especially the unemployed and graduating high school students, are encouraged to take up technical vocational courses through the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) to ensure immediate work.

This was the message of local officials here during the 18th anniversary celebration of TESDA.

Provincial Legal Officer Kristian Wandag said with the current employment problems and increasing demand for skilled workers, it is but practical to go for technical vocational course which is applicable even for self-employment.

“Employment for the baccalaureate graduates especially those planning to get a white collar job may face many difficulties these days considering the limited opportunities and the high level of competency which newly graduates may be of disadvantage,” he said.

This according to Wandag is the reason why many baccalaureate graduates are taking up techvoc courses just to have a chance to be employed. Even lawyers and nursing graduates are not spared from the employment problems, he said.

“We must be very practical these days. It is sad that we have so many graduates who have spent so many years and invested much for their college education but couldn’t find a decent job that are in line with what they have taken in college,” he said.

Taking up a certain degree he said is not to gain self-importance since this could be useless if one ends up jobless.

“Don’t think of the honor that a degree could give but instead consider the employment opportunity in choosing your course,” he said adding that many skilled workers are actually doing good and making more money in their chosen fields.

Tabuk City Information Officer Oliver Gacuya, on the other hand, lauded the students of TESDA for making the right choice.

“The demand for skilled workers globally these days continue to grow, meaning, graduates of techvoc courses are given an array of opportunities to be employed,” he said.

To take advantage of this, the city government of Tabuk he said is encouraging the unemployed, local entrepreneurs and organized groups to avail of the free skills training being offered by the government.

The city government believes that the provision of skills training to help the people establish their own livelihoods is a form of empowerment since this would give them a chance to be independently earning and able to support their families.

Both commended the programs of TESDA and its partner schools in continuously giving opportunities to the people.

Said event was in celebration of the nationwide 18th Anniversary celebration of TESDA with the theme “TESDA @18: Akmang Pagsasanay Tungo sa Tagumpay.” (JDP/GGD- PIA CAR, Kalinga)