Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)-certified individuals have better chances of landing employment during job fairs, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here said Friday.

Ma. Socorro Mira, PESO-Dumaguete chief, told the Philippine News Agency that companies taking part in the job fairs usually prefer or include in an applicant’s qualification requirements a TESDA National Certificate Level II (NCII) on top of their regular educational attainment.

“Many companies who sign up with us for a job fair ask for NCII qualification,” she said.

“In fact, some students studying technical-vocational courses already have a job waiting for them upon completion of their training,” she added.

The PESO is spearheading a job fair on Aug. 27 in celebration of TESDA’s 30th anniversary.

So far, 12 local companies have already signed up with over 800 positions up for grabs, Mira said.

TESDA provincial director Fletcher Gumahad said skilled workers are in demand in the market with NCII holders finding employment faster.

Gumahad, however, said that preference for NCII completers should not be discriminatory because at the end of the day, “we cannot impose on these employers” and their preferences will always have to prevail.

Mira added that while talent and skills aid a job applicant in being hired, having the right attitude is also necessary.

No company is willing to employ someone who does not give value to his job, she said. (PNA)