TESDA to open bigger auto training center in June 2022

Have you ever wanted to DIY your engine problems, impress a girl by fixing her car, or even moonlight as an auto mechanic but do not know where to go, or cannot find open slots?

Do not worry because there won’t be any shortage of opportunities, or slots, with this new partnership between TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and Petron.

The deal for a TESDA-Petron Car Care Center or TPCCC was formalized late last week, which will benefit hundreds of Filipinos yearly. Under this collaboration, a larger auto training facility will be built and is expected to be completed by June 2022. Petron will also provide TESDA with modern technical knowledge and programs, which include updating training regulations for their automotive servicing courses. Currently, TESDA offers 37 automotive courses. It makes up 18.5% of all TESDA courses.

"(This partnership) is very timely as the country has eased restrictions. We can now accommodate students at 100-percent capacity. Around 25 students can be accommodated per class," said TESDA Secretary General Isidro Lapeña.

The soon-to-be-opened state-of-the-art facility will be able to train 250 students per year and with plans to create more TPCCC branches in Visayas and Mindanao, more Filipinos will have the chance to enroll and get a job as auto mechanics.

"There are people you see around who would say they got a job because of TESDA. You could immediately see the results, like among the graduates who got employed," added Lapeña.

On top of its commitment as a partner in TPCCC, Petron has also expressed their willingness to hire people who take these courses. "We are very excited to employ TESDA graduates,” said Petron Corporation's vice president for sales, Virgilio Centeno.