IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Zambales has partnered with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, Inc. in Subic to implement the Enterprise-based Education and Training (EBET) program.
The initiative aims to align training with industry needs and strengthen the local workforce for the shipbuilding sector. Its first registered program, Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) NC I, will provide specialized welding skills to 100 identified trainees.
TESDA Zambales Acting Provincial Director Leonardo Tabamo said the training plan was developed by HD Hyundai with guidance from the TESDA Provincial Training Center-Iba to ensure it meets both national standards and company-specific requirements. A program induction was also conducted for the beneficiaries.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advance employability and support industry-based education and training,” Tabamo said.
He added that participants will come from Castillejos, Subic, and Olongapo. They will begin with Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Labor Training Facility before advancing to FCAW NC I under EBET.
This phased approach is designed to establish a strong foundation before moving to more advanced welding work.
In November 2024, TESDA and HD Hyundai signed an agreement to set up an off-campus training site. That program trained 24 FCAW NC I scholars, who have since joined the company’s workforce.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during the inauguration of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, Inc. last September 2, underscored the importance of such initiatives in preparing a pool of skilled workers for the shipbuilding industry.
He cited TESDA’s provision of 25 scholarship slots for SMAW NC I as a prerequisite to the FCAW NC I program, as well as 100 scholarship slots for EBET trainees.
Through this partnership, TESDA and HD Hyundai aim to open more employment opportunities for Zambaleños while strengthening skills development that supports the growth of the country’s shipbuilding sector. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
