PIDS consults PE2 on TVET sector needs of EE sector
MAKATI CITY, 17 September 2024 – The Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) was consulted earlier today by a team from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) which is currently conducting an evaluation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in the country, and what labor market gaps in the energy efficiency (EE) market can be filled by the TVET program. The PIDS study aims to assess the labor market outcomes for TVET graduates, focusing on their employment rates and wage outcomes, to better understand the returns on TVET education.
The PIDS research team was led by Ian Nicole Generalao and Pauline Joy M. Lorenzo. PE2 was initially represented by PE2 president Alexander Ablaza.
The interview with PE2 focused on the role of TVET in the energy efficiency sector.
Ablaza explained that while the Department of Energy (DOE) continues to certify energy efficiency practitioners such as Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), Certified Energy Conservation Officers (CECOs), and Certified Energy Auditors (CEAs) through the training provided by DOE-Recognized Training Institutions (RTIs), the EE market will need a properly trained and skilled workforce to support and multiply the impacts of the certified practitioners.
The PE2 president explained that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will need to build on and expand the TVET program to include the training of more skilled workers to support the audit measurements, operatorship and maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems, such as chiller plants, refrigeration systems, boilers, and smaller equipment such as motors, drives, pumps and compressors. Currently, the TVET program includes specific training programs for the installation, servicing and maintenance of room air conditioner and package-type air conditioning units, as well as ice plant refrigeration system operation and solar photo-voltaic system installation.
Ablaza suggested to continue this dialogue with the PE2 Vice President for Technical Affairs (VP-TA), who looks at the training and skills development needs of the energy efficiency market. The conversation also touched on the potential for PE2 to represent the energy efficiency sector in industry boards and concluded with a focus on the importance of demand-driven TVET programs and the potential for PE2 to collaborate with TESDA to develop relevant training curricula for the energy efficiency sector.
PIDS emphasized TESDA’s desire to produce more green jobs for TVET graduates. PE2 assured PIDS that TVET graduates involved in energy efficiency projects effectively contribute to the objective of generating green jobs for this sector.
PIDS serves as the Philippine government's primary socioeconomic policy think tank. Since its establishment, PIDS has been engaged in the conduct of policy-oriented studies to assist policymakers and planners in crafting development policies, plans, and programs that are based on sound research evidence.
