4 Misconceptions That TVL Students Struggle With

As a TVL Track student, you may get tons of questions regarding your program. Well-meaning friends and parents ask you why you’re taking this track. And sometimes, people burst your bubble by making hasty generalizations. Chances are, it’s because they need to be schooled on your specialty and on TVL courses in general. Let’s give them some clarification!

Here are some of the myths about taking the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track that you should be proud to debunk:

Myth 1: You don’t know what will happen to you after you take up TVL…because you’re not going to college

Naysayers have got it all wrong. Even without college, the TVL Track will equip you with job-ready skills in the future. Since TVL students are being trained for jobs as early as Grade 7 (12 – 13 years old), you’ll know what you want and how to get there faster than the rest of ‘em. 

Myth 2: There are no viable/ profitable careers in tech-voc

Not true! According to the Philippine Information Agency, 38 percent of SHS students who finished the TVL Track gained significant work experience and a definite edge over non-SHS graduate job applicants.

The best part? The companies where TVL students trained typically take them in for full-time employment after passing required National Certification tests. You’ve got a bright future ahead as initiatives by TESDA grow across the country. Check out these high-demand and high-salary potential jobs you can take after finishing your Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

Myth 3: TVL is not for women

When people think about TVL—jobs that involve wielding power tools, operating heavy machinery, or servicing cars—chances are, they’re thinking about muscular men in construction hats. But hey, technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses are for women, too! According to Inquirer, “there were 1,207,276 female graduates and 1,044,932 male graduates of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program in 2018.” That means there are more females than males who are taking up tech-voc training. Not to mention, the TESDA Women Center (TWC) aims to empower women in industrial trades dominated by men and helps Filipinas break gender stereotypes in the process. 

Of course, tech-voc courses are the key to rewarding careers for everyone, regardless of gender. You could even take your skills abroad and forge new paths toward non-traditional jobs such as welding, carpentry, and masonry. Speaking of which, check out this successful Pinay welder who loves what she does and earns a high salary for it. And while you’re at it, show them what kind of cool careers that women with TVL backgrounds can score!

Myth 4: TVL is only for people who can’t afford college

It’s frustrating to hear this assumption from people who don’t know any better; there’s more to TVL than meets the eye. Enrolling in a college is a popular option but it doesn’t have to be for everyone. It depends on what your ideal career path looks like, and a National Certificate (NC) from passing TESDA’s assessment exam could be enough to land you that dream job. While tech-voc education may be a ticket out of poverty, you can certainly take it up to become financially independent and employed right after Senior High School. 

Additionally, TVL is a great way to pursue your passion. Just like a concert pianist takes hundreds of hours to practice scales over and over again, tech-voc students master a specific trade such as jewelry making, ceramics, cookery, 2D/3D animation, automobiles, and more! They love and take pride in what they do. Plus, TVL can prepare you for your in-demand job anywhere, including the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

It’s definitely exciting to learn all you can about something you love. If you have a unique interest in a craft that not everyone is able to understand, that’s okay. As long as you know what makes you happy, you do you! 

Now that you’ve finished reading this article, we hope you’ll stay determined to fulfill your potential in your chosen TVL course. Be the best that you can be no matter what they say, and they’ll be speechless when you land your dream career.

Find more schools that offer tech-voc courses through Edukasyon.ph, and check out the Edukasyon.ph blog for more tips and advice that will help you succeed in your education-to-career journey.

Enjoying the blog? Register on Edukasyon today!