Applicants who were hired on the spot during a job fair in this Negros Oriental capital city Tuesday thanked the government for providing easy access to employment and skills development.

Jan Blake Columna, a 19-year-old resident of the adjacent town of Sibulan, got hired as a call center agent.

He was amazed at the ease of getting an interview for the position during the World Café of Opportunities, which celebrated the 30th founding anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“This is my first job and I just took a chance after learning about the employment opportunities. I feel great. I was not expecting it all,” Columna, a senior high school graduate, said in an interview.

He plans to skip college for now, saying he has to earn his keep as some family members are already retired.

Michael Ogis, 42, and Missy Silva, 25, both from this capital, said they applied as part-time trainers for Silliman University’s Technical, Educational, Vocational, and Entrepreneurial Center (TVEC).

Both are currently employed at Silliman but will undergo the trainer’s training so they can earn extra income and give back to the community by upgrading the skills of the younger generations.

Ogis said being a TESDA scholar provided growth opportunities and he is thankful for the programs offered to the public.

At least 800 local positions in 15 participating companies were offered during the job fair.

As of this posting, 42 applicants have been hired on the spot, mostly in the business process outsourcing sector.

Three other events also highlighted the TESDA celebration — skills competitions, scholarship applications/grants (national enrollment day) and the release of allowances of scholars. (PNA)

HIRED ON-THE-SPOT. Three applicants hired right away after an interview at a job fair in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2024). The activity is in line with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (PNA photo by Mary Judaline Flores Partlow)

Columna was one of the early hires after a spot interview during the World Café of Opportunities, which celebrated the 30th founding anniversary of the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

Likewise, Michael Ogis, 42, and Missy Silva, 25, both from this capital, said they applied as part-time trainers for the Silliman University’s Technical, Educational, Vocational, and Entrepreneurial Center (TVEC).

Both are currently employed at Silliman University but will undergo the trainer’s training so they can earn extra income and give back to the community by upgrading the skills of the younger generations.

Ogis said being a TESDA scholar provides “growth opportunities,” and he is thankful for the programs offered to the public.

At least 800 local positions in 15 participating companies were offered during the job fair. As of this posting, 42 applicants were already hired on the spot, mostly in the business process outsourcing sector.

Meanwhile, newly-installed TESDA provincial director Joel Villagracia said three other events also highlighted the celebration, including skills competitions, scholarship applications/grants (national enrollment day), and the release of allowances for their scholars. (PNA)