The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced that it partnered with Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.
The three-year partnership is seen to advance the learning environment in Philippine technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions through the use of Autodesk design software.
It will offer Philippine students free access to Autodesk education software in TESDA-owned institutions as well as its network of public and private TVET institutions all over the country.
“TESDA is proud to partner with Autodesk, and supports Autodesk’s vision to help people imagine, design and create a better world,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, director general of TESDA, said in signing the memorandum of understanding with George Abraham, head of education, Emerging Markets at Autodesk.
“This agreement is a testament that leading global software companies such as Autodesk recognize TESDA as a reputable and quality educational institution, and are willing to partner with us for educating and developing future industry leaders in Philippines,” Villanueva added.
For his part, Abraham said Autodesk is “excited to partner with TESDA”. “Through this MoU we look forward to supporting the government initiatives in developing a creative economy in Philippines by giving students access to Autodesk’s latest educational design and engineering software and training programs,” he said.
“The expansion of this program to Philippines demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting the next generation of architects, engineers, designers and digital artists,” Abraham further added.
Autodesk learning materials will be made available to TESDA through the Autodesk Education Community portal. Students will have free access to software, a wealth of information and networking opportunities. Under the partnership, TESDA institutions are able to download free Autodesk Education licenses via the Autodesk Resource Centre (ARC).
This collaboration with Autodesk will enable TESDA to equip its students with professional skills and gain greater industry relevance and create next generation of digital artists. Autodesk will also invest resources for the development of professional skills among TESDA students’ through curriculum development.
Villanueva said the software would be made available to current TESDA programs using such material, such as design and drafting, animation, engineering and gaming.
“I hope our students will leverage this opportunity to learn Autodesk design software and get inspired to turn their ideas into reality. TESDA is committed to improving TVET in the country and is very optimistic that more of such partnerships will open new and exciting learning avenues for the Filipino workforce,” Villanueva said.
