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The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are working with the South Australian government to help make Filipino students more job-ready — even before they graduate.

CHEd chairperson Prospero de Vera III and TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez recently met with South Australia Governor Frances Adamson and education leaders to discuss embedding globally recognized skills certifications into senior high school programs in state-run universities and colleges.

The goal: make sure students leave school with not just diplomas, but practical skills that can land them a job or a spot in higher education right away.

“Guided by President Marcos’ vision of a future-ready Filipino workforce, CHED and TESDA are aligning our education system with labor market needs,” De Vera said. “Through this partnership with South Australia, we’re building programs that give students a head start the moment they graduate.”

These certification pathways will focus on high-demand fields like tourism, engineering, and industrial technology — sectors that are growing both in the Philippines and abroad.

CHED is also working closely with Australia’s Flinders University to help local schools deliver programs that match global workforce standards. In addition, CHED is crafting an Industry Assessment Framework that lets students earn certifications while on international on-the-job training, further boosting their employability.

The agency is also exploring expanded qualifications recognition between the Philippines and Australia, building on a similar agreement with New Zealand. The aim is to allow easier mobility for Filipino and Australian students and professionals by aligning their credentials across both countries.

“With these efforts, we’re not just improving our education system — we’re opening doors for Filipino students to thrive on a global stage,” De Vera added.