GUIDE: How to make the most of TESDA's all-in-one app for training, scholarships, and jobs

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is modernizing its efforts to improve skills development programs for Filipino learners and workers.

With its recently launched TESDA Skills Passport, workers and job seekers now have a platform where they can look for work, discover scholarship opportunities, keep track of their certifications, training credits, and other milestones in their learning journey.  

Those looking to hire TESDA graduates will also find this platform useful. 

"We are also actively working to integrate the TESDA Skills Passport into the bigger digital ecosystem. Linked na siya sa eGov through its digital resumé component," Sec. Jose Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez, director general of TESDA, said at the launch of the super app.

Here's how you can make the most of your TESDA Skills Passport.

If you are looking to hire a TESDA graduate:

1. Tap on the "Find a TESDAn" icon. The tab will show various industries, or you can type your specific industry in the search bar. 

2. The app will show you photos of potential hires with their credentials and location. Swipe through the choices until you find someone suitable for your needs. 

3. Once you confirm, TESDA will reach out to you with more details. At the same time, the agency will send the worker a job notification. 

If you want to develop your skills:

1. Tap on the "Scholarship" icon. The tab will show a list of scholarship opportunities in different industries. Each entry will identify the subject of the course, the location—for example, TESDA Regional Training Center - NCR or TESDA Women's Center—the number of applicants, and the number of slots available and already taken. 

2. When you tap on the one you are interested in, the app will show more details about the course and the address of the center where it will be taught. 

3. If you are sure about taking the course, tap on "Apply Now."

4. The app has a "My Applications" folder where you can check the status of your scholarship applications. 

If you are applying for jobs locally or abroad:

1. In your account, be sure to upload all your training certifications, micro-credentials, and any national examinations you passed. By allowing these in the system, TESDA essentially verifies your documents. 

2. The digital certificates will make up your digital resumé, which includes a QR code. 

3. Reach out to prospective employers by including your TESDA QR code and digital ID in your application. Employers need only to scan the QR code to see all your certifications and credentials.

How to look for TESDA training centers nationwide

1. Tap on the "Centers Near Me" icon. The app will then use your device's GPS to find public and private Technical-Vocational Education and Training centers and accredited assessment centers near you. 

2. The color-coded interactive map includes the entire country. Green dots indicate assessment centers; yellow dots for training centers. Senior high school graduates can now go to the assessment center nearest them, according to Benitez. 

3. When you click on one training center, the app will show the different training modules you can apply for. 

4. For a quicker search, use the filter function to narrow down the choices to your preferred industries. 

5. Find directions to the training center of your choice by tapping "Get directions." The app will give you detailed directions. 

How to explore the app's other features

The all-in-one app also has a "Learning Paths" section that gives you access to TESDA's free online program. 

There's the "BSRS" or biometric-enabled scholarship registration system that foils "ghost" scholars with facial recognition and location tracking, and QR code attendance check. 

Want to see personalized training courses? Just click the "Next trainings for you" that suggests courses based on your specified skillsets in your resumé.

If you have questions, you can count on the "Prof K AI Assistant," an AI-powered chatbot that can answer your queries in different languages. 

TESDA Skills Passport is available for free on Play Store and App Store.