The TESDA Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) is a community-centered initiative designed to provide skills training to individuals in barangays or communities. This program by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) promotes employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities. Since its launch in 2014, STEP has offered short-term training programs to improve employability and productivity among its beneficiaries.
Understanding the scope and procedures for TESDA STEP application is essential for those seeking student financial assistance, scholarships, or opportunities for skills development. This guide will walk you through these things—from the objectives to the qualifications, application process, benefits, and other details that will help you apply for the program successfully.
Program Overview
The TESDA Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) is a community-based initiative aimed at providing skills training to meet the specific needs of local communities. Launched in 2014, STEP focuses on promoting employment through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities, offering short-term courses aligned with TESDA’s Training Regulations. Its creation aligns with the government’s push to expand technical-vocational education and training (TVET) to grassroots communities nationwide.
Established under TESDA Circular No. 11, Series of 2017, STEP offers scholarships to underprivileged individuals, enabling them to gain technical skills and access better livelihood opportunities. It covers a wide range of beneficiaries, including out-of-school youth, unemployed individuals, marginalized groups, and industry workers. STEP provides free training, competency assessment, daily allowances, and starter tool kits to help beneficiaries achieve employment or entrepreneurial success.
Benefits
Participants in the STEP program enjoy several benefits that support their training and future employment:
- Financial Assistance: A daily allowance of PHP 60 during training days.
- Free Training and Certification: Participants do not pay for training or competency assessments.
- Starter Toolkits: These are provided for entrepreneurial activities.
- Employment Opportunities: Training programs often lead to job placement or self-employment.
Target Beneficiaries
STEP caters to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to:
- Out-of-school youths, unemployed, and underemployed individuals.
- Industry workers seeking skills upgrades.
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents.
- Farmers, fisherfolk, and disadvantaged women.
- Indigenous Peoples (IPs),
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),
- Solo parents
- Victims of natural disasters, human trafficking, or calamities.
- Construction workers, micro-entrepreneurs, and urban and rural poor.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 15 years old at the start of the training program.
- Be a Filipino citizen.
- Not currently benefit from other government educational scholarship programs.
Documentary Requirements
To apply for the TESDA Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Accomplished TESDA Scholarship Application Form
- Barangay Certification or Endorsement
- Photocopy of Birth Certificate (PSA or NSO)
- 1×1 or 2×2 recent ID picture (number of copies may vary)
- Certificate of Employment (if applicable)
- School Diploma or Transcript of Records (if available)
- Proof of Residency (such as a barangay clearance)
- Any valid government-issued ID
Note: Additional documents may be requested depending on the TESDA Regional or Provincial Office requirements.
Programs and Training Providers
STEP covers various programs specified under TESDA Circular No. 11, Series of 2017. These include registered courses focused on entrepreneurship and technical skills. Training providers are evaluated based on specific criteria, including compliance with technical audits and training capacity.
Training Providers Criteria
- For Existing Providers with Previous Scholarship Allocations:
- Compliance with TESDA’s technical audits.
- Adequate training facilities, tools, and equipment.
- No unresolved legal or financial issues.
- For New Providers Without Previous Allocations:
- Must comply with TESDA’s standards and submit inspection reports for new programs.
Training providers are prioritized based on their absorptive capacity, employment rate of graduates, and utilization of approved scholarship slots.
Application Procedures
There are different ways to apply for this TESDA program. These include:
- Barangay Listing of Beneficiaries: Local barangay officials submit lists of prospective beneficiaries to TESDA based on a Barangay Skills Need Survey (BSNS). This list indicates the specific skills training needs in the community.
- Online Scholarship Application: Individuals not listed in the barangay survey can apply through the TESDA Online Scholarship Application portal (www.tesda.gov.ph/Barangay) or regional and provincial TESDA websites.
- Walk-in Application: Applicants may also visit TESDA Central, Regional, or Provincial Offices to process their application in person.
To apply in person, simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Visit your local TESDA Provincial or Regional Office to inquire about the STEP program and available training courses.
Step 2. Secure and complete the TESDA Scholarship Application Form provided by the office.
Step 3. Gather the required documentary requirements, including proof of residency, valid IDs, and other supporting documents.
Step 4. Submit the completed application form and documents to the TESDA office or authorized training provider.
Step 5. Wait for the evaluation and approval of your application, which will be communicated by TESDA officials.
Step 6. Once accepted, attend the orientation session for STEP scholars, where training schedules and benefits will be discussed.
Step 7. Begin your training and receive your training allowance and starter toolkit during the program.
Note: Remember to always confirm specific requirements and procedures with the TESDA office in your area, as they may vary.
Assessment and Certification Process
To ensure quality and readiness for employment, all STEP participants undergo competency assessments. The assessments are conducted by accredited centers within the region, and trainees are issued certificates upon completion.
Costs related to the assessment process are strictly based on TESDA Circular No. 11, Series of 2017. Training providers must ensure accessible and accredited assessors for all STEP programs.
Modes of Availing STEP Benefits
Dual availment is allowed under STEP, meaning a participant can take multiple courses, provided they complete one before starting another. This flexibility encourages individuals to upgrade their skills or pursue higher qualifications.
The training programs are strictly monitored to ensure compliance with guidelines and effective delivery. Financial procedures, such as training allowances and toolkit distribution, are also regulated under government procurement laws.
How STEP Promotes Employment and Self-Sufficiency
STEP graduates are equipped with practical skills that cater to market demands. The inclusion of entrepreneurship training encourages self-employment, while the certification process boosts their credibility in the job market. This initiative not only enhances personal income but also contributes to community development.
Video: How to Apply for TESDA Scholarship and Choose a Course
If you’re looking to apply for TESDA STEP, this program could be the key to your career growth or entrepreneurial journey. Watch this video from ProMagTv to learn how to access this financial assistance, enroll in training, and unlock new opportunities that will help you start your journey towards a brighter future.
Summary
The TESDA Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking financial assistance, skills training, and employment opportunities. It caters to various marginalized sectors, providing free training, daily allowances, starter toolkits, and competency certifications. STEP programs are accessible through barangay listings, online applications, and walk-in inquiries at TESDA offices. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, STEP is a government initiative designed to help Filipinos improve their lives through training and entrepreneurial opportunities. Take advantage of this scholarship program and take the first step toward a better future!