Vocational courses offer viable employment

FINANCIAL constraints usually force people to be realistic and compromise in order to attain their dreams. Just ask 25-year-old Julius Regudo.

Regudo took up a computer technology course so he can land a high-paying job in an information technology (IT) company.

But with a family of six to support, he was forced to stop and work in a department store and a logistics firm.

When he was out of a job for a year, Regudo learned about a scholarship program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Central Visayas (Tesda-7) sponsored by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

Regudo passed the entrance exams and evaluation and pursued electrical installation and maintenance as a course.

He received a National Certificate Level 2 and underwent a three-month training before he was hired by a telecom firm.

“I was not mistaken when I enrolled in a technical vocational course. I learned a lot and I am starting to reach my dreams,” Regudo said.

The number of vocational and technical graduates rose over the years, Tesda information officer Petronila Fidellaga said.

“Most of our applications are for welding and automotive because these are the most in demand jobs,” she said.

As of yesterday, there are 610 pending applicants for welding and 485 for automotive.

The training will take three to five months depending on the course. An automotive course requires five months.

After receiving a training certificate the graduates have to undergo national assessment to secure a national certificate.

This will qualify them to work locally or abroad.

Based on their recent data gathered, 60 percent of their graduates are hired.

Regudo is now financing his niece’s education and managed to install an electrical connection for their home. He plans to work abroad.

“As long as we will not lose hope and trust in ourselves we will strive to work on,” Regudo said. With Contributor Christine Fidellaga