THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority partnered with SM Retail, Inc. to boost its enterprise-based training program.

TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz and SMRI Senior Vice President Elenita Hernandez signed on December 12 a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Apprenticeship Program particularly for Customer Services NC II and Warehousing NC II.

Under the agreement, TESDA and SMRI will provide skills training and livelihood opportunities to the communities where SM operates to address unemployment.

TESDA shall assist in the accreditation of SM apprenticeship programs, provide a list of accredited assessment centers and issue National Certificates to beneficiaries who pass the assessment.

Meanwhile, the SMRI shall facilitate employment to qualified graduates and coordinate with its affiliates regarding the accreditation, implementation and monitoring of the apprenticeship programs.

TESDA and SM have been collaborating in providing quality TVET programs. Last September 7, TESDA Region III, SM Foundation Inc., and other government agencies partnered for the “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan TESDA – Enterprise-Based Training in Customer Service NCII and Warehousing NC II Programs.”

“With this partnership, our learners will not only expand their skills and knowledge but will also be confident enough to explore bigger opportunities as soon as they complete their training,” the TESDA chief said.