MANILA - Concerned government agencies are now discussing a plan to fast track skills training to address the shortage of local construction workers.

In a statement Saturday, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) disclosed that it had talks with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on March 5 for a proposal to launch training at its engineering and construction sites.

In the meeting, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar directed their respective regional directors to coordinate immediately pending the memorandum of agreement officially sealing the on-site training plan.

The proposed program will be in close partnership with local government units and government-accredited construction companies, which will eventually hire the trainees.

TESDA and in-company trainers, construction superintendents, supervisors, and lead men will work together on the training plan and curriculum to better prepare the trainees for work.

“TESDA will help the unemployed graduates to connect with various construction companies in need of skilled workers and laborers. Our job should cover assistance from enrollment to employment,” Lapeña said.

Earlier, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said there was a need to minimize the deployment of construction workers abroad to meet the urgent need of the private sector for workers in the Philippines.

• READ: DOLE eyes slowdown on deployment of construction workers

Government is also in need of manpower for infrastructure projects under the “Build Build Build” program.

Over 800,000 to 1 million skilled workers in the construction, architecture, and engineering fields are needed until 2022, according to DOLE.