LAOAG CITY -- At least nine accredited assessment centers in the province are currently conducting free assessment to qualified skilled workers here.
Provincial Director Charito Santos of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said Tuesday the competency assessment aims to boost the employment rate among the Ilocanos.
Scheduled June 26-27, it is open to all industry workers, career shifters, unemployed adults, Technical-Vocation Education Training (TVET) graduates, including teachers and trainers, she added.
The Ilocos Norte-based assessment centers are among the 1,753 TESDA-accredited assessment centers nationwide participating in the simultaneous national competency assessment.
The nine assessment centers in Ilocos Norte are: Bangui Institute of Technology, Data Center College of the Philippines, Divine Word College of Laoag, IGAMA Colleges Foundation Inc., Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades, Overseas Technical Institute, Inc., Primacare Training and Development Center, Saint Gabriel International Centre for Quality Learning, Inc. and Training Institute for Hospitality Services, Inc.
According to Santos, these centers have their unique fields of specializations.
Once they pass the assessment, qualified applicants will be given National Certificates II and III for the following: beauty care, cookery, driving for passenger bus or straight truck, bread and pastry production, food and beverage services, bookkeeping, bartending, food and beverage services, shielded metal arc welding, electronic products assembly and servicing, health care services, technical drafting, dressmaking, housekeeping and visual graphic design, among others.
“We are inviting everyone to grab the opportunity to expand your horizon and become more productive in your chosen fields of endeavor,” said Santos.
He noted that a number of construction companies have been looking for more workers with specialized skills in construction as a result of the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration.
In Ilocos Norte, Santos said there is a very high demand for construction workers, which is why they are encouraging more local residents to equip themselves with the necessary training on this field. (PNA)
