There’s no perfect time to learn but now. Do you agree? Even if almost everyone is stuck inside their homes, there is a way for us to learn – thanks to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Did you know that TESDA has developed a training program, which has been designed exactly for this digital age? And the good news is, even if you’re stuck at home, you can gain new skills for work abroad. Keep on reading to learn more.
Also Read: How to Enroll in TESDA Online Course for OFWs
With so many people affected by the pandemic, one might wonder: How else are we supposed to cope during this time? The simple answer is to make the most of the opportunities available to you. So that someday – who knows – you might be the one to create new opportunities for yourself. And perhaps, even for others, too. You can also improve yourself by acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Doing so helps others improve their lives. How? Through the services and guidance, you can provide them with, whether on a personal or business level. Think about it. This is what free, accessible, and world-class skills training offered by TESDA can do for you! Let’s get deeper into it by going through the following sections of this guide. Do stay until the end because we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding TESDA courses for abroad.
What are the Top TESDA Courses for Abroad?
Learning and obtaining new sets of skills is one approach to improve oneself. It is simple to learn new skills nowadays because there are several online and face-to-face schools to choose from – the TESDA being one of them. And the good news is that you don’t need to invest a large amount of cash for your education and training, unlike you would in a university.
This is especially crucial if the goal that you have in mind is to work abroad.
As you may already know, there is a great demand for skilled workers abroad. Countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Dubai, Qatar, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and others are in dire need of highly trained workers in specific industries. Fortunately, TESDA in the Philippines offers technical-vocational courses that, once completed, will qualify each individual to apply for in-demand positions in other countries.
List of TESDA Courses in Demand Abroad
Before you get all excited and start planning for your next steps to work abroad, here is a list of the most in-demand courses offered by TESDA:
- Agricultural Crops Production NC I, NCII and NC III
- Automotive Servicing NC I, NC II, NC III, and NC IV
- Barbering NC II
- Bartending NC II, and Barista NC II
- Beauty Care NC II, and NC III
- Bread and pastry Production NC II
- Caregiving NC II
- Carpentry NC II and NC III
- CNC Lathe Machine Operation NC II and NC III
- Construction Lift Passenger Material Elevator Operation NC II
- Food and beverage services NC II, NC III, and NC IV
- Food processing NC I, NC II, NC III, NC IV
- Gas Metal Arc Welding NC I, NC II, and NC III
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding NC II, and NC IV
- Gas Welding NC I, and NC II
- Hairdressing NC II, and NC III
- Health Care Services NC II
- Housekeeping NC II, NC III, and NC IV
- Jewellery Making (Fine Jewelry) NC II, and NC III
- Machining NC I, NC II, and NC III
- Pattern Making NC II
- Pipe Fitting NC II
- Plant Maintenance NC I
- Plastic Machine Operation NC II, and NC III
- Plumbing NC I, NC II, and NC III
- Press Machine Operation NC I
- Process Inspection NC II, and NC III
- PV System Design NC III, Servicing NC III, Installation NC II
- Slaughtering Operations NC II
- Refrigeration and Air conditioning Servicing NC
- Tower Crane NC II
Note: This list is not exhaustive. There are many other courses offered by TESDA suited for overseas work. Still, this list is a good place to start if you just want to know what your top options are.
How to Enroll in TESDA Courses for Abroad
Now that you have an idea of the top courses you can enrol in to prepare for work abroad, it’s only natural that you get to know how to get started in your chosen course.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enrol in your chosen TESDA short course:
- Visit the TESDA Accredited Training Center nearest you.
- Ask about the availability of the course in the training facility that you prefer.
- You will be given a list of requirements that you need to provide for your enrollment
- Take the entrance test. (You need to pass this exam before handling all the requirements).
- After submitting all the necessary documents, a staff member from the training center will get in touch with you to inform you about the start of the program.
TESDA Short Courses to Work Abroad
To get an idea of what you will learn in the courses offered by TESDA, you may refer to the shortlist below:
Agricultural Crops Production NC I, NCII and NC III: This course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform various agricultural operations. It also includes the proper use of farm equipment and techniques.
Training Duration: 336 hrs
Automotive Servicing NC I, NC II, NC III, and NC IV: This course is designed to develop the basic skills and attitudes necessary to perform basic engine servicing. It also covers reinstallation and removal of components for diesel and gas engines.
Training Duration: 469 hours
Barbering NC II: This course aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the hairdressers in accordance with industry standards.
Training Duration: 656 hours
Bartending NC II, and Barista NC II: This course aims to enhance the skills and attitudes of baristas in cleaning bar areas and in preparing and mixing alcoholic drinks in accordance with established industry standards.
Training Duration: 286 hours
Beauty Care NC II, and NC III: This course aims to enhance the skills and attitudes of beauticians according to industry standards.
Training Duration: 200+ hours
Bread and pastry Production NC II: This course is designed to improve the knowledge and skills in the preparation and presentation of desserts. It covers the basic and core competencies in this field.
Training Duration: 141 hours
Caregiving NC II: This course aims to enhance the skills of Caregivers in accordance with the industry’s standards.
Training Duration: 786 hours
Carpentry NC II and NC III: This course is designed for individuals who are interested in performing tasks related to the layout reference lines, the installation and removal of wooden formworks, the preparation of wooden stairs, the construction of ceiling and wall frames, and the installation of roof supports and panels.
Training Duration: 301 hours
CNC Lathe Machine Operation NC II and NC III: This course is designed to align the knowledge and skills of students and trainees in terms of drawing and manufacturing complex parts. The individual will be capable of programming and operating a CNC Lathe machine.
Training Duration: 234 hours
Construction Lift Passenger Material Elevator Operation NC II: This course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and desirable work attitude of individuals working in the construction lift passenger/material elevator industry.
Training Duration: 140 hours
Food and beverage services NC II, NC III, and NC IV: This course is designed to improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of those working in the food and beverage industry. It provides an overview of the various duties and responsibilities of a food and beverage service professional.
Training Duration: 356 hours
Food processing NC I, NC II, NC III, NC IV: The course provides the students with the knowledge and skills required to perform various tasks in accordance with the food processing industry standards.
Training Duration: 552 hours
Gas Metal Arc Welding NC I, NC II, and NC III: This course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of a skilled general metal arc welding (GMAW) welder. It includes core competencies that are applicable to the welding process and various other tasks.
Training Duration: 400 hours
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding NC II, and NC IV: This course aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of GTAW welders in accordance with industry standards. It includes core competencies that are related to welding carbon steel plates and pipes. It also covers various skills and procedures that a skilled GTAW welder should adopt in order to perform their job effectively.
Training Duration: 268 hours
Gas Welding NC I, and NC II: This course aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a skilled GTAW welder in accordance with the industry standards. It includes core competencies such as welding steel plates, titanium steel tubes, and gas welding. It also provides various skills and procedures that a skilled GTAW welder can use in their work.
Training Duration: 312 hours
Hairdressing NC II, and NC III: This course is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of hairdressers in accordance with industry standards.
Training Duration: 656 hours
Health Care Services NC II: This course aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in the field of Health Care Services. It is designed to meet the standards of the industry.
Training Duration: 656 hours
Housekeeping NC II, NC III, and NC IV: This course provides the basic skills and knowledge of housekeeping staff in order to enhance their abilities in handling guest’s clothes, cleaning and valet services.
Training Duration: 600 hours
Jewellery Making (Fine Jewelry) NC II, and NC III: This course is focused on providing the necessary knowledge and skills to make fine jewellery in accordance with the industry’s standards. It covers the basic concepts of mensuration, calculations, polishing, and metal fabrication.
Training Duration: 800 hours
Machining NC I, NC II, and NC III: This course covers the skills necessary to set up and mill a workpiece to drawing specifications, such as turning and indexing, as well as various other tools and techniques used to set up and grind a workpiece. It also covers the various steps necessary to remove warp and polish components from a machine.
Training Duration: 307 hours
Pattern Making NC II: This course is designed to help improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a trainee or student in accordance with the dressmaking industry regulations.
Training Duration: 240 hours
Pipe Fitting NC II: This course aims to enhance the skills of the participants and to meet the expectations of the industry. It includes the basic and common competencies that are required to perform various tasks in pipefitting.
Training Duration: 202 hours
Plant Maintenance NC I: This course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform effective plant maintenance. It covers the various competencies necessary to perform various maintenance activities.
Training Duration: 358 hours
Plastic Machine Operation NC II, and NC III: This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform various tasks in the field of automobile manufacturing. It emphasizes the importance of preparing molds for composite materials, assembly of materials for production, and monitoring and finishing of finished products.
Training Duration: 148 hours
Plumbing NC I, NC II, and NC III: This course is designed to provide an individual with basic knowledge in Plumbing, such as preparing plumbing layouts, making connections and minor construction works.
Training Duration: 202 hours
Press Machine Operation NC I: This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to perform basic and pre-production activities related to a mechanical press.
Training Duration: 294 hours
Process Inspection NC II, and NC III: This course is designed to provide participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform various tasks in manufacturing facilities, such as assembly, stamping, and metal finishing. It also includes the ability to interpret drawings and specifications.
This course will teach participants how to perform various tasks related to inspecting a process. Some of these include identifying and measuring equipment, performing procedures, and setting up and operating a variety of specialized equipment for measuring parameters.
Training Duration: 98 hours
PV System Design NC III, Servicing NC III, Installation NC II: This course is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming a skilled and certified PV System Design Technician. It provides the necessary knowledge and skills to design and install solar home systems.
The basic competencies included in this course are related to various tasks such as: Lead a team, develop and practice negotiation skills, and solve problems related to work.
Training Duration: 148 hours
Slaughtering Operations NC II: This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, behavior and
motivations in accordance with industry standards.
Training Duration: 360 hours
Refrigeration and Air conditioning Servicing NC: This course is designed to provide the necessary skills to enable individuals to perform effective and efficient repairs and installations of Domestic Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Units.
Training Duration: 480 hours
Tower Crane NC II: This course aims to provide participants with the basic and common competencies in Construction Sector, especially in Heavy-Equipment operations.
Training Duration: 36 hours
Benefits of Taking TESDA Courses for Abroad
Through its training centers, TESDA aims to help individuals improve their skills and improve their chances of being hired. This organization offers a variety of training programs that are designed to help individuals develop their various abilities. Aside from this, listed below are several excellent benefits you can gain from the TESDA courses for abroad:
- World-class Skills
It is important to better yourself through self-improvement. By gaining skills from a TESDA course, you can improve in your chosen field or make more money.
- National Certificate or Certificate of Competency
Mid-level skilled workers can get a job that pays more than they used to. Through the Philippine TVET competency assessment and certification system, they can get a job that fits their needs and salary target.
- Employment Opportunities
Through their programs, the students of TESDA get jobs upon graduating. In fact, according to their website, about 70% of tech-voc graduates get jobs after they finish their studies.
- Value for Your Time
Getting hired at TESDA usually takes about a year. But, if you want to continue with a four-year program, the courses that you took at the institute will be credited toward your chosen degree.
TESDA Job Hiring Abroad
Individuals who are able to complete a certain course should take the assessment test given by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This is the only way they can get the National Certificate.
TESDA graduates with National Certificates can now apply to local companies for work experience.
If you already have the required experience of working abroad, you can also apply to POEA-accredited manpower agencies for job opportunities. After securing a job, graduates can expect to make up to $750 a month depending on the job they’re hired for, enjoying a monthly income of up to Php 100,000.
So, the important question still remains: How do I find a job abroad?
There are two ways that an OFW can find work abroad, either through agency-hired or direct-hire.
OFWs hired by direct hire agencies usually do not have to worry about processing their documents since they will just do it for them. However, they still have to work on getting their documents ready to travel abroad.
VIDEO: TESDA NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (NC) AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY FOR WORK ABROAD
Still not convinced if taking TESDA courses can benefit you in your aspirations of working abroad? This video shares why upskilling through TESDA courses can benefit you as a skilled worker not only in the Philippines but even abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any free online courses for TESDA?
With over 20 online courses, the TESDA is offering free training to people with limited internet access. These courses are for individuals who want to improve their skills and knowledge in various subjects.
What do I need to expect from the assessment?
Evaluations are carried out through various means, including but not limited to: demonstrations, oral exams, portfolios, interviews, and work projects.
How long will it take before I can claim my National Certificate?
National Certificate can be claimed for seven (7) working days after applying.
Which is the most popular TESDA course for OFW?
According to TESDA, there are over 20,000 overseas workers who took courses in tourism and human health/care in the last five years.
What kind of jobs can I get with TESDA?
TESDA Courses are available to help you get work abroad. Some of the jobs you can apply for after completing a short course through TESDA include Caregiving, Massage Therapy, Automotive, CAD/CAM Operation, Carpentry, and/or Visual Graphic Design.
Summary
One thing that you must learn in life is never to enter a battlefield unprepared. In the same respect, make sure that you’re well-equipped to work in other countries. Upskilling or developing new skills is a great way to become globally competent and marketable in your chosen field. Also, even if a certain industry takes a dip, your wide set of world-class skills can salvage you another job, ensuring that you remain financially afloat regardless of the economic situation, such as we’re seeing right now. Thus, upskilling is one way of future-proofing yourself in terms of your market value. Isn’t that amazing?
What’s more, TESDA offers free skills training not only for outbound OFWs and young Filipinos but also to returning OFWs as part of their reintegration assistance program in partnership with DOLE and OWWA. OFWs would also be given various free assessments and certifications. The free skills program is also given to the immediate families of OFWs. You just need to visit the regional, provincial, and district offices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to submit the necessary documents.
READ NEXT: Virtualahan Offers Scholarships for Displaced OFWs for Online Job Skills Training
Contact Information
TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Central Office
Address: E Service Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
Contact Number: +63288885641
Complete List of TESDA Branches in the Philippines
Google Map Location