The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and Labtech International Ltd., together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippines have co-implemented the Online In-Country Program for the Philippines on Training of Trainers on Renewable Energy System Using Virtual TVET on June 27 to 30, 2023 via Zoom platform. A total of 20 TVET instructors, professors, and administrators from TESDA Philippines’ provincial and regional training centers have participated in the program.
This program was primarily designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the principles of renewable and green technology components using digital TVET frameworks featuring 3D animated models. The methodologies implemented by Labtech International include interactive digital simulations using the latest gaming technology in the industry. This was done in the hopes of incorporating digital technology in the teaching delivery within TVET institutions across CPSC’s member countries.
Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, Labtech International Ltd. President; and Sec. Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Ph.D., TESDA Director General supervised the program. It was facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, General Manager of Labtech Academy, who delivered most of the lectures and oversaw the workshops. Mr. Ian Andrew, Labtech International Ltd. Consultant and TVET Specialist also served as a guest lecturer during the program.
During the opening ceremony on June 27, 2023, CPSC, Labtech International, and TESDA officials delivered the opening remarks. Prof. Wickramasinghe, through a video message, expressed CPSC’s appreciation to TESDA Philippines and Labtech International Ltd. for their continued commitment in supporting CPSC in the conduct of its training programs. On behalf of Labtech International Ltd. President, General Manager and Program Coordinator Mr. Brad Ker wished the participants goodluck and hoped for a successful four-day training. From the side of TESDA, Mr. Edward Dela Rosa, Chief TESD Specialist, National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD) highlighted the importance of the program in developing the skills and competencies of Filipino TVET teachers and administrators in the pursuit of quality education in the country.
Photos during the lecture sessions: Mr. Ian Andrew facilitating his topic and presentation of the use of simulations for teaching smart classrooms
The four-day training consisted of lectures and workshops that taught the participants about mechanisms and innovative tools in digital TVET learning in the field of renewable energy systems. Workshops were facilitated to help the participants better understand how to maximize the use of virtual TVET frameworks, explore various approaches in blended (hybrid) learning, and create lesson plans using digital technology. Labtech also showcased some of their best practices on renewable energy including safety measures for their equipment implemented by their trainers.
During the closing ceremony on June 30, 2023, Mr. Brad Ker delivered the Vote of Thanks and Summary of the Program. On behalf of Labtech International Ltd., and its President, Mr. Brad Ker also expressed his gratitude to CPSC and its staff for the invaluable support and commitment towards the partnership with Labtech throughout the past years. Likewise, on behalf of the CPSC Director General, Governing Board-Engaged Faculty Consultant Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen reverted the commendation to Labtech and congratulated the participants and the organizers from NITESD-TESDA, Philippines for another successful training program with CPSC.
Screenshot of the participants
