Joel Villanueva urges TESDA to expand higher-level training amid low wages among graduates

Manila Bulletin - Joel Villanueva urges TESDA to expand higher-level training amid low wages among graduates

Joel Villanueva urges TESDA to expand higher-level training amid low wages among graduates

Senator Joel Villanueva urged TESDA to expand higher-level technical-vocational training, noting that only one percent (1%) of its 1.45 million graduates attained national certificate (NC) Level 5 or diploma-level qualifications.

Although TESDA reported an 81% employment rate among graduates, many earned below the prevailing minimum wage, while NC IV and NC V holders recorded better wage outcomes.

Villanueva cited EDCOM 2 findings on outdated training regulations, skills mismatches, and limited private sector involvement, calling for training programs that lead to better-paying jobs and career advancement.