For many graduates of technical vocational programs, the journey does not end with a certificate. The next challenge is finding the right job that values their skills. A new digital initiative hopes to make that transition faster and more efficient.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with career platform Bossjob to connect technical vocational education and training graduates directly with employers through artificial intelligence. The collaboration powers a key feature inside the TESDA Skills Passport Mobile Application, a digital platform designed to modernize the country’s technical training ecosystem.

The partnership was formally introduced during the app’s launch on February 5 at the Makabagong San Juan Theater in San Juan City, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance. In his remarks, the president highlighted how the platform allows TESDA scholars to store and verify their national certificates and training credentials in a single digital space.

At its core, the Skills Passport functions as a digital profile for TESDA graduates. Through Bossjob’s AI-powered recruitment engine, verified certifications can be matched with real-time job openings, giving employers quick access to qualified candidates while helping graduates navigate the labor market more efficiently.

The platform is also expected to generate valuable labor insights. Using aggregated and anonymized data from Bossjob, TESDA can monitor trends in hiring demand, geographic opportunities, and salary ranges. These insights can help the agency adjust its training programs so that graduates are equipped with the skills industries actually need.

Current TESDA data shows strong demand for certified workers across several sectors. Among the most active industries hiring TVET graduates are social and community services, wholesale and retail trade, information and communications technology, automotive and land transportation, tourism and hospitality, healthcare services, creative industries, and agriculture and fisheries.

The initiative also addresses what researchers have described as the country’s “middle-skills gap.” Studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies indicate that while TVET graduates can earn wages comparable to some university undergraduates, training programs often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving sectors such as digital services, renewable energy, and ICT.

For Bossjob, integrating its AI technology into the Skills Passport transforms TESDA certifications into visible, verified assets that employers can immediately recognize.

To maintain credibility within the system, users must register through the Philippine Identification System. The app also connects directly with TESDA-accredited training centers, allowing certificates to be validated instantly and reducing the risk of fraudulent credentials.

Bossjob’s involvement with the technical-vocational sector is not new. Since 2024, the platform has worked with TESDA programs such as CollaboraTVET in the National Capital Region, offering training support, job opportunities, and career development resources for graduates.

Beyond the app itself, the company continues to support students through career coaching, job-readiness workshops, resume guidance, and participation in government-led career fairs.