Majority or around 74 percent of technical-vocational students who were granted certification after availing of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Aboitiz Scholarship Program have successfully gained employment in 2018.
TESDA-NCR Regional Director Conrado Bares reported that out of the 100 trainees who enrolled in the program in 2018, 93 have graduated and secured NC-II certification. Seventy-four percent of the 93 graduates gained immediate employment.
Of the offered courses, TESDA reported a 100 percent employment rate for bartending, food and beverage services, and plumbing; while 50 and 40 percent for housekeeping and food processing, respectively.
“I wish that we will be able to sustain the partnership so that we will be able to reach more trainees, especially the least, the less, and the lost,” Bares said during the turnover of P1 million worth of check from the Aboitiz Foundation in Taguig City on Dec. 18 for the sustained implementation of the scholarship program.
The program commenced in 2016 when a memorandum of agreement was signed for a grant of P1 million to help the marginalized trainees who were enrolled in various courses at the TESDA Women’s Center.
The grant was used to cover costs of trainees’ medical examination, assessment fees accident insurance, ID, uniform, personal protective equipment, and training supplies and materials.
Aboitiz Foundation first vice president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan said the gift of education is probably the best gift that Aboitiz can give this Christmas. “Sa tulong po ng TESDA, sa pagtitiwala na binibigay ninyo sa amin (With the help of TESDA and the trust that you have been giving us), these scholars are given the chance to shine their brightest and help drive change for a better world,” she stressed.
Marasigan also reminded the scholars to stay focused and strong, yet humble and generous: “There will be tough times… sometimes you would want to give up. But just remember the line ‘Kayang-kaya ko ito!’ remember [that] many people are cheering for you and would really work their hardest to help you.”
The Groupwide Aboitiz Technical-Vocational program offers an alternative solution to help high school students who do not have the means to pursue a college education. Since 2005, Aboitiz Foundation has assisted 2,787 trainees under this program.