OFWs often look for new career opportunities so that they can earn more abroad. Other OFWs look for skills to reintegrate into the Philippine workforce once they decide to return home. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) helps by providing high quality and accessible programs that can help OFWs upskill and/or reskill.
With these TESDA courses, an OFW can learn a lot of new skills they didn’t have before. They can learn skills that they can use if they wish to shift to high demand industries. They can even take courses that can help them start their own businesses in the Philippines.
The Most Valuable TESDA Courses for OFWs
Here are some of the top TESDA courses for OFWs who wish to learn new skills or improve existing ones.
Caregiving NC II
Caregiving is one of the most in-demand professions globally, especially in countries with aging populations like Canada and Japan. The Caregiving NC II course covers all the important skills such as providing care for infants, elderly people, and patients with disabilities.
Having this certificate allows you to work in nursing homes, hospitals or become private caregivers.
- Career Opportunities: Caregiver, healthcare assistant, nursing aide
- Certification Benefits: Globally recognized, improves job security
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs already in healthcare or those interested in shifting to caregiving roles
Bread and Pastry Production NC II
If you are interested in the culinary industry, then the Bread and Pastry Production NC II program maybe the right one for you. This program offers essential training in baking techniques. You can learn how to bake different types of goodies, like bread and much more complicated pastries.
This NC II can prepare you if you wish to work in hotels, restaurants in the future, or if you want to have your own bakery business.
- Career Opportunities: Baker, pastry chef, entrepreneur
- Certification Benefits: Skills applicable worldwide, ideal for small business ventures
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs in hospitality roles or those with a passion for baking
Driving NC II
The Driving NC II course trains you to be able to drive light and heavy vehicles. If you want to get in to the transportation industry while working abroad, then this course should help you learn about the trade, including the ins and outs of logistics as well as if you want to become a professional driver.
Aside from the actual driving skill, your teachers from TESDA will teach you about road safety, defensive driving techniques and vehicle maintenance.
- Career Opportunities: Chauffeur, delivery driver, bus operator
- Certification Benefits: Increases employability in countries needing licensed drivers
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs in logistics or those planning to enter the transport industry
Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II
The Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II course equips learners with skills such as electrical wiring, maintenance and repair. If you want to work in the construction, maintenance and other technical industries, then this course will help you.
There is a strong demand for skilled electricians all over the world because of the growing infrastructure projects of most countries.
- Career Opportunities: Electrician, building maintenance technician, electrical installer
- Certification Benefits: In-demand in the construction sector worldwide
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs in construction or those seeking technical careers
Entrepreneurship Course
For OFWs planning to return home and start businesses, TESDA’s entrepreneurship course provides the necessary tools to develop business plans, manage finances, and market products effectively. This program encourages OFWs to become entrepreneurs and reduce dependency on employment abroad.
- Career Opportunities: Business owner, startup founder
- Certification Benefits: Practical for small business ventures
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs preparing for reintegration and business ownership
Beauty Care Services (Nail Care)
The Beauty Care NC II program focuses on nail care, including manicures, pedicures, and nail art. This course suits OFWs who want to enter the beauty industry or open a salon business. Many countries, including those in the Middle East, offer opportunities for certified beauty technicians.
- Career Opportunities: Nail technician, salon owner
- Certification Benefits: High demand in beauty salons globally
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs with an interest in beauty services
Organic Agriculture Production NC II
With growing global interest in sustainable farming, TESDA’s Organic Agriculture Production NC II course teaches participants how to cultivate organic crops and manage farms. This program is perfect for OFWs interested in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
- Career Opportunities: Organic farmer, agripreneur, agricultural consultant
- Certification Benefits: Promotes sustainable farming and business ventures
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs looking to start organic farms or shift to agriculture
Computer System Servicing NC II
The Computer System Servicing NC II program provides training in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting computer systems. This course is ideal for OFWs looking to shift into technical roles or the IT industry, which continues to grow worldwide.
- Career Opportunities: IT technician, computer support specialist, network installer
- Certification Benefits: Opens doors to tech-related careers globally
- Who Should Take This Course: OFWs interested in IT and computer-related jobs
Why TESDA Courses are Ideal for OFWs
TESDA courses are flexible, affordable and certificates are recognized both locally and internationally. Moreover, TESDA provides online courses through the TESDA Online Program (TOP), which allows them to learn new skills while working abroad.
Having TESDA courses online allows OFWs to upskill or reskill at their own pace. They don’t have to stop working to learn skills that can help them upgrade and earn higher salaries.
Moreover, OFWs can learn skills in TESDA as a safety net when they eventually return to the Philippines. Many of these courses help OFWs learn how to start businesses or shift to new careers upon reintegration.
TESDA is also committed to offer courses that help OFWs meet global job market demands. The knowledge they gain is therefore relevant to the industry, whether it be on healthcare, hospitality, transportation or entrepreneurship. These top TESDA courses not only empower OFWs to remain competitive but also encourage lifelong learning—an essential trait in today’s fast-changing job market.