TESDA for Employers: How Philippine Companies Can Access Free AI Training

Why Employers Should Care About TESDA

For Philippine employers, TESDA represents a significant opportunity to reduce training costs while building critical AI capabilities. Unlike many government training programs that focus exclusively on individual learners, TESDA has robust enterprise-facing programs designed specifically for employer-driven skills development.

Key benefits for employers:

• Cost reduction: Training costs can be reduced by 70-100% through TESDA partnerships
• Quality assurance: TESDA-accredited programs follow national competency standards
• Certification: Employees earn nationally recognised credentials
• Talent pipeline: Access to TESDA graduates as a recruitment channel
• Compliance: Meet training requirements under Philippine labour regulations

Enterprise-Based Training (EBT) Programs

Dual Training System (DTS)

The DTS is TESDA's flagship employer program, combining theoretical instruction at a TESDA-accredited institution with practical on-the-job training at the company.

How it works:

• Company partners with a TESDA-accredited school
• Trainees split time between classroom (30-40%) and workplace (60-70%)
• Training duration: 6-24 months depending on the qualification
• TESDA subsidises the institutional component
• Company provides the OJT component and pays at least 75% of minimum wage

AI applications: Companies can establish DTS partnerships for AI-related qualifications, allowing employees to learn AI theory at school while applying it to real company problems.

Apprenticeship Program

For occupations requiring extensive practical training (more than 3 months):

• Company applies to TESDA for approval of apprenticeship program
• Must have an approved apprenticeship agreement
• Pay at least 75% of minimum wage
• Provide structured training following TESDA curriculum
• TESDA provides technical assistance and monitoring

Learnership Program

For shorter-term practical training (up to 3 months):

• Easier to set up than apprenticeship
• Suitable for specific AI tool training or digital skills modules
• Company can train existing employees or new hires
• TESDA provides curriculum guidance and assessment

How to Register as a TESDA Enterprise Partner

1. Contact your regional TESDA office — Each region has a Provincial or District Office that handles enterprise partnerships.
2. Submit company profile — SEC/DTI registration, business permits, employee count, training history.
3. Propose a training plan — Specify skills needed, number of trainees, timeline, and desired outcomes.
4. TESDA assessment — The office evaluates your facilities, trainer qualifications, and training plan.
5. Sign partnership agreement — Formalise the arrangement including roles, responsibilities, and funding.
6. Deliver training — Conduct training per approved plan with TESDA monitoring.
7. Certify employees — Arrange National Competency Assessment for participating employees.

Maximising TESDA Value for Your Organisation

Combine TESDA with Other Incentives

• PEZA incentives: Companies in Philippine Economic Zone Authority zones can claim training expenses as tax deductions while also accessing TESDA subsidies.
• CREATE Act benefits: Under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, registered enterprises can deduct training costs from taxable income.
• Industry board partnerships: Sector-specific boards (e.g., IT-BPM Roadmap) often have additional training funds that complement TESDA.

Build a TESDA Training Centre

Large employers can apply to become TESDA-accredited assessment centres or training institutions, allowing them to:

• Train employees in-house with TESDA accreditation
• Offer TESDA-certified programs to the community (enhancing CSR)
• Receive ongoing support and resources from TESDA
• Access priority scholarship allocations

Pertama Partners Enterprise Training

Pertama Partners works with Philippine employers to design and deliver TESDA-aligned AI training that meets both TESDA competency standards and real business needs. We help you:

• Navigate TESDA registration and approval processes
• Design customised AI curricula that meet Training Regulations
• Train your internal trainers for sustainable capability building
• Prepare employees for National Competency Assessment

Contact us to discuss how to leverage TESDA for your AI workforce strategy.