TESDA shows its commitment to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through its Overseas Assessment Program (OAP). TESDA has conducted assessments in many OFW places like in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Singapore, allowing OFWs to certify their skills without returning to the Philippines.
With a focus on free skills training and assessments, TESDA helps OFWs validate competencies gained through prior training or work experience. Coordinated with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), this initiative aims to enhance job retention, promotion opportunities, and career growth for Filipinos working abroad.
Objectives
The OAP will be implemented in coordination with the DMW through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO). The main objectives are:
- Certification: Allowing OFWs to acquire Philippine competency certification through assessment of their current knowledge and skills
- Skill Upgrading: Upgrading the skills of OFWs for better job opportunities
Benefits for OFWs
The OAP provides numerous advantages for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking TESDA certification:
- Convenience: No need to return to the Philippines for assessment, saving time and money.
- Job Retention and Promotion: TESDA NC enhances job security and promotion prospects.
- Job Opportunities: Explore new career paths and industries with a TESDA NC.
- Skills Validation: Official recognition of skills acquired abroad.
- Upgraded Skills: Improve competencies for better job opportunities.
- Hassle-free Process: Coordination with DMW and MWO simplifies the process, reducing paperwork and complications.
Schedule and Locations
Following the successful implementation of the OAP in 2023, TESDA will bring its services to OFWs in the following locations:
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: June 14-20 at Universal Skills Development Institute and Filipino Computer & Literacy Program
- Dubai, UAE: June 22-26 at Power Technical Training Center
- Singapore: July 27-28 at CARE Academy, Bayan Academy, and Home Academy
Free Skills Training and Assessment for OFWs
TESDA Director General, Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu, highlighted the agency’s commitment to providing free skills training and assessment to OFWs:
- Accessibility: Bringing free assessment services to OFWs in various countries, eliminating the need to return to the Philippines for certification
- Certification: Ensuring OFWs are certified for job retention, promotion, or new job opportunities
- Validation: Allowing OFWs to validate and certify competencies acquired through previous training or work experience
Qualifications and Assessments
A total of 1,500 OFWs will be assessed in various qualifications, including:
- Caregiving NC II
- Massage Therapy NC II
- Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II and III
- PV Systems Installation NC II
- Automotive Servicing (Engine Repair) NC II
- Automotive Servicing (Electrical Repair) NC II
- Events Management Services NC III
- Trainers Methodology Level I
These qualifications are carefully selected to meet the high demand for skilled workers in various industries both in the Philippines and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Overseas Assessment Program (OAP)?
A: The Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) is an initiative of TESDA to provide free skills assessment and certification services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in various countries.
2. Where will the OAP be conducted?
A: The OAP will be conducted in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore on specific dates for each location.
3. Who can avail of this program?
A: OFWs who have prior skills training or work experience can avail of the OAP to validate and certify their competencies.
4. Why is the OAP important for OFWs?
A: The OAP lets OFWs get Philippine certification abroad, saving time and money, and helps with job retention, promotion, or new opportunities.
5. How many OFWs will be assessed in this year’s OAP?
A: 1,500 OFWs will be assessed in caregiving, massage therapy, electrical installation, automotive servicing, events management, and more.
Summary
The OAP demonstrates TESDA’s dedication to providing quality skills training and assessment services to Filipinos, including those working abroad. This program helps OFWs improve job retention, promotion opportunities, and career growth while gaining recognition for their skills. TESDA’s mission is to enhance Filipinos’ lives through accessible, free training and assessment programs. TESDA encourages OFWs to use the OAP in their locations and strive for personal and professional growth. Together, we can build a better future for Filipinos abroad.
