The Technical Education Skills Development Authority in Oriental Negros announced that it is inviting local companies employing at least 10 workers to avail of its "Kasanayan at Hanapbuhay" program.

KASH is an apprenticeship program aimed at providing new entrants to acquire experience and skills, Sheila Ocariza, TESDA specialist said.

She said that, as of 2005, 51 beneficiaries have availed of the program in the province. KASH was developed to enhance the delivery of skills development and employment facilitation program by the government.

As an incentive, companies that join the program will be able to deduct from the taxable income up to half of the value of the training expenses, Beth Tubog, administrative officer of TESDA, said.

So far, since the program started last year, Ocariza said only two firms have availed of the program among the local industries.

TESDA has already sent out invitations to qualified business establishments in the province last year.

Ocariza said that, among the approved apprenticiable trades are those for refrigeration mechanics, cook/kitchen dispatcher, machine toll, mechanic repair and plumber/pipe fitter, among others.*RG

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