SENATOR Joel Villanueva spearheaded the distribution of toolkits to the scholars of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA who successfully completed their Special Training for Employment Program in Bulacan.

Around 5,249 TESDA scholars have completed the training and were awarded with toolkits during their completion ceremony at the STAR Arena in Baliwag City, Bulacan.

The graduates were presented with toolkits tailored to their specific qualifications, which included a diverse range of skills such as Solar Night Light Assembly, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Carpentry NC II, Consumer Electronics NC II, Cookery NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Driving NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Organic Concoction, Organic Hogs, Organic Small Ruminants, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II and Visual Graphics Design NC II.

STEP is a community-based specialty training program that addresses the specific skills needs of the communities and promotes employment, particularly through entrepreneurial, self-employment and service-oriented activities.

Villanueva was instrumental in the establishment of the STEP program during his tenure as Director General of TESDA.

“During our time at TESDA, we introduced the STEP to ensure that our trainees not only acquire essential skills but also have the means to immediately apply their skills and generate income through the use of their toolkits,” Villanueva emphasized.