5 Affordable Courses For In-Demand Jobs In The Philippines

The Philippines has the highest number of unemployed people in Southeast Asia. The International Labor Organization (ILO) states that the Philippines has an unemployment rate of 7.3%—behind Indonesia (6%) and Brunei (3.7%). That 7.3% is equal to almost 3 million jobless Filipinos!

The main problem? Job mismatch. This is when a person lacks specific skills and experiences for a job. 

Despite that, we’ve got good news for you! There are millions of promising job vacancies available to Filipinos. You don’t even have to be a college graduate to pursue them! Skilled workers are in demand in the current labor market. That’s why a world of rewarding opportunities await tech-voc graduates.     

“But tech-voc is not as good as college!” 

Sure, you have your doubts about Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a good education option. Though, if you want to increase your chances of finding career success, it’s time to re-think that.

 

Here’s why you should consider tech-voc:

• In-demand jobs with high-salary potential

Contrary to popular belief, tech-voc education can lead to high-paying jobs, too! (Read: Filipina welder who earns around 70,000 pesos a month) It’s all about finding the right opportunities.

Repeat after us: Tech-voc is not inferior to college. It never was! This form of education simply caters to different industries, with its own set of required skills. Not to mention, it doesn’t take a college degree to find what you’re passionate in and make a career out of it. Sometimes, you just need a certificate, and before you know it, you’re in business!

• Affordable and fast

There are hundreds of free TESDA National Certificate (NC) programs* in (1) state universities and colleges, (2) local universities and colleges, (3) TESDA Technology Institutions, and (4) LGU-run training centers.  Also, unlike a 4-year college degree, tech-voc courses only last for a few weeks up to 3 years. So you can be job-ready in a short amount of time. 

If you’re not qualified for a free tech-voc program, you can still be assured of low tuition fees. Short courses range from 1,000 to 10,000 pesos, while assessment fees (for certifications) cost 400 to 2,000 pesos. 

• Guaranteed jobs 

Tech-voc courses hone in-demand skills. That’s why tech-voc graduates can easily find jobs after completing their training. 72 out of 100 TVET graduates find jobs within six months to one year. And in 2016 alone, 307,426 (83.40%) TVET graduates landed jobs in less than 6 months after their training. 

 

5 tech-voc courses that lead to in-demand jobs  

Here’s a list of industries* that have a high number of employed tech-voc graduates.

(Note: Employment rate refers to number of employed tech-voc graduates per industry.)  

1. Agriculture and Fishery

Employment rate of TVET graduates: 80.45%

Promising careers and high-income potential await you in the Agri-Fishery sector⁠—and for good reason! The Philippines is an agricultural country, given its vast land area of 30 million hectares and massive capacity for food production. Want to pursue a career related to farming and food production? Then, a course in agriculture and fishery might be for you. With it, you’ll get to be part of a sector that can boost the Philippine economy! 

Some available courses:

• • Agricultural Crops Production NC II 
  • Organic Agriculture Production NC II 
  • Horticulture NC II
  • Animal Production NC II 

 

2. Construction

Employment rate of TVET graduates: 73.50%

Did you know you can find a good, high-paying job in construction? A tech-voc graduate who works as a heavy equipment operator earns a lot more than an admin officer with a college degree. Although, you do have to build your way to the top first (pun intended)! 

Want to build commercial and residential buildings, roads, bridges, and utility systems? These tech-voc courses will equip you with in-demand skills in construction, remodeling, maintenance, and repairs. 

Some available courses:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II 
• Masonry 

 

3. Tourism

Employment rate of TVET graduates: 69.90% 

The Philippines had a total of 94 million travelers in the latter part of 2018, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). It’s no wonder tourism professionals are in demand! Imagine your favorite tourist destination. Now, picture yourself boosting that area’s tourism by promoting its products and services. Or maybe you’re a people-person? You can help people plan and arrange for their travels in the Philippines and abroad. That’s why a course in tourism might be your passport to your dream job!   

Some available courses:

• Tourism Management NC II
• Tourism Promotion Services NC II 

 

4. Information and Communication Technology

Employment rate of TVET graduates: 69.10%

We live in the Digital Age, and today’s fast-evolving world relies heavily on technology. Skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are very valuable! Got what it takes for communication technologies? Chances are, you’re using a couple right now—the Internet and your phone! Given how ICT is everywhere, a promising career for you isn’t too far off. Set yourself up for innovation by taking up a tech-voc course in ICT! 

Some available courses:

• Diploma in Information Technology 
• Information System Technology (bundled qualifications in Visual Graphic Design NC III and 3D Animation NC III) 
• Web Design NC II 

 

5. Health and Wellness

Employment rate of TVET graduates: 68.03%

It’s no secret that health and wellness are universal concerns. Because of this, there’s a constant demand for healthcare professionals here and abroad. A health-related tech-voc course can equip you with the skills to set people up for recovery, help them through it, and improve their overall quality of life. Consider a career in health and wellness if this noble pursuit sounds like something you want to do!  

Some available courses:

• Live-in Caregiver NC II 
• Occupational Therapy 
• Emergency Medical Services NC II 

 

*Courses selected from the following sources: 

• Employability Studies – Employment Rate by Year – Updated July 2019
• List of TESDA short courses offered by training centers 

 

How to enroll in these tech-voc courses 

TVET is open to all Filipinos. Just visit any state-run technical-vocational institution (STVI) that offers TESDA-registered programs. Tech-voc courses welcome youth who are not in education, employment, training (NEET), as well as workers who want to expand their current skills and training.  

Admission requirements:  

• 10 years of basic education
• Other requirements specified by existing TESDA training regulations. You can inquire directly via TESDA hotline (888-5641 to 46) and email (contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph).   

Who are not eligible for free TVET benefits?

• Bachelor’s degree holders 
• Holders of a certificate or diploma for a tech-voc course equivalent to the National Certificate Level III (NC III) or higher, unless enrolled in bundled courses in Level IV or diploma
• Students enrolled in TVET programs not registered under TESDA

 

Career success is measured in how well you do what you do, not just in college degrees or traditional office jobs. When you open yourself to tech-voc education, you get better chances of finding a job that aligns with your skills and interests. 

As you build your future, know that diligence—coupled with the right skills, experience, and attitude—are your most important assets. And whether you go to college or take up a tech-voc course, you have the power to succeed in your career. 

Want to learn more about your education options and career opportunities in tech-voc? Check out these other tech-voc articles on Edukasyon.ph! 

Enjoying the blog? Register on Edukasyon today!

 

Sources:

• https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055794
• http://www.tesda.gov.ph/About/TESDA/20863
• http://tesdatrainingcourses.com/list-of-tesda-short-courses-offered-in-training-centers.html
• https://www.bamaquino.com/try-tech-voc-courses-for-better-employment-chances-sen-bam-to-students/
• https://www.facebook.com/notes/tesda/tesda-tvet-programs-now-offered-for-free/1993853177324198/
• https://www.courses.com.ph/tourism-promotion-services-nc-ii-tesda-course-philippines/#targetText=Tourism%20Promotion%20Services%20NC%20II,promoting%20its%20products%20and%20services.&targetText=Identifying%20and%20interpreting%20product%20information
• https://www.courses.com.ph/tourism-promotion-services-nc-ii-tesda-course-philippines/#targetText=Tourism%20Promotion%20Services%20NC%20II,promoting%20its%20products%20and%20services.&targetText=Identifying%20and%20interpreting%20product%20information