Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has fortified its collaboration with the construction sector by signing a deed of accession with the National Industry TVET Board for the Construction Sector (NITB-CS), an executive announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA revealed in a social media post that new members who formally joined include the Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors, Inc. (ACEL), Antipolo Institute of Technology (AiTECH), Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), Philippine Institute of Certified Quantity Surveyors (PICQS), Roto Rooter Philippines, Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS), University of Makati, and Women in Infrastructure Foundation, Inc.

TESDA Public Information Office Director Floramel Joy Songsong stated that the inclusion of these new members means that more sub-sectors of the construction industry are represented. This enhancement allows more industry experts to contribute to aligning TESDA's training regulations, competency standards, assessment tools, and microcredentials with industry standards.

Songsong noted that the signing took place on May 18, explaining that the construction industry comprises five main sub-sectors: residential construction, commercial (non-residential) construction, industrial construction, infrastructure construction, and institutional (public service) construction.

The reinforced partnership is expected to provide better employment opportunities for graduates possessing the skill sets sought by the industry. Songsong highlighted that one of the benefits for NITB-CS is access to a pool of work-ready TVET (technical and vocational education and training) graduates for recruitment purposes.

Furthermore, NITB members can take advantage of TESDA's technical assistance for addressing their training needs and conducting assessments and upskilling for their current workforce.