TESDA brings tech-voc courses through mobile training lab

In photo: Apayao trainees learn the skills in appliance repair in a training provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Apayao through its Mobile Training Lab (MTL) last October 16-25, 2019. (Hazel Torida/TESDA-Apayao)

LUNA, Apayao— Nineteen members of the Indigenous Peoples community have completed a short course provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here through its Mobile Training Lab (MTL).

Of the 19 beneficiaries, 3 were females and 16 were males who completed the appliance repair training last October 25, 2019. “We have a significant shortage of repairmen specifically in appliance repair here, and that is why we need to equip people from the community to address the demand of the said service,” said Engr. Victor Brioso, TESDA-Apayao provincial director.

PD Brioso explained that MTL is the government’s response to the inadequate access of beneficiaries, thus bringing skills training program to remote areas that would increase their opportunities for employment.

The MTLs are training facilities that can be easily transported from community to community within the province. The Provincial Office has four movable compact boxes on a trailer that includes tools, equipment, training package and multi-media equipment and accessories.

The courses under the MTL facility are Appliance Repair, Bread and Pastry, Cookery, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Food Processing, Plumbing and Small Engine Repair.

“With the knowledge and abilities they will gain through this course, learners can qualify themselves for wage/self–employment and eventually help fill the demand today,” he said.

He said that the provided hands-on training and a curriculum for 8 days prepared them to acquire the necessary competencies for employment in electronic industries.

“They can maintain and repair electronically-controlled domestic appliances and will also have basic knowledge in repairing mobile phones,” he added.

In 2018, TESDA-Apayao was able to train 691 beneficiaries through the MTL, while 774 have benefited from January to October of this year. (Hazel Torida/TESDA-Apayao).