Tektone Global Tech Trainings Help Solve Skills Mismatch

The trainings being conducted by Tektone Global Technologies Foundation, Inc. and its partners are helping solve the mismatch between the skills possessed by applicants and the skills required by employers here and abroad.

This is what Albay First District Cong. Edcel C. Lagman told the graduates, parents and guests during the First Commencement Exercises of the Tektone Global Technologies Foundation, Inc., Eco-Trail Society Foundation, Inc. and Southern Luzon Technological College, Inc. held on April 18, 2009 at the AQ Dome, Aquinas University, Legazpi City.

Pointing out statistics and results of studies conducted by the National Statistics Coordination Board, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Lagman noted how the lack of conformity of competencies possessed by new graduates with those required by employers make it very difficult for young people to find jobs amidst significant demand for workers. He said this trend, if left uncheck, could become more severe as the world face a global economic slowdown.

Lagman congratulated the families of the trainees for supporting them in choosing the right courses - courses that have real demand in the labor market. "Ang hinahanap ng mga employers ay skills hindi diploma na nakasabit sa dingding," he said quoting Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Sec. Augusto "Boboy" Syjuco.

Lagman also expressed his appreciation to Sunwest Group of Companies Chairman of the Board Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co for spearheading training programs that directly address skills gaps and ensure employment of graduates. Both the Tektone Global Technologies Foundation, Inc. and Eco-Trail Society Foundation, Inc. belong to the Sunwest Group of Companies.

Eighty trainees in heavy equipment operation and 39 trainees in specialized welding graduated from their courses in Tektone Global Technologies Foundation, Inc. and Eco-Trail Society Foundation, Inc. during the graduation exercises. They were joined by 350 other graduates in business process outsourcing from Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc.

Lagman is an ardent supporter of technical-vocational education and training from the beginning of his service as congressman of the First District of Albay until now. He is responsible for the establishment of a string of public training centers and technical-vocational schools in Albay and the promulgation of government training and scholarship programs in technical-vocational education and training.

Lagman sponsored the second batch of trainees in specialized welding under the Eco-Trail Society Foundation, Inc. by providing PhP5 million pesos to cover the training expenses for more than 100 persons.

The second batch of trainees is being conducted in cooperation with the City Government of Legazpi under Mayor Noel E. Rosal.