The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will offer free Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) courses through its TESDA Online Program (TOP), giving Filipinos access to training for jobs that require digital skills.
Both signed a Strategic Training Agreement on Sept. 29, 2026, at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City. TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and AWS Philippines Country Manager Precious Lim signed the agreement, which covers training for learners seeking employment or career advancement.
“Skills development is ultimately about creating opportunities for people,” Benitez said. “Through this collaboration with AWS, we are giving Filipinos access to world-class cloud and AI training that they can use to build careers, pursue new opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our digital economy.”
Three courses will be integrated into TOP. Fundamentals of AI introduces learners to how AI works, including machine learning and its applications. It requires no technical background.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner covers AWS services, security, system design, and pricing. Cloud computing allows people and businesses to use computing services over the internet. The course provides a pathway toward an AWS certification.
AWS Certified AI Practitioner covers responsible AI, generative AI, and using AWS AI services to solve problems.
The courses will be available within TOP. Training is open to all Filipinos who can access the platform, with no prerequisites or course fees.
Certification exams have separate conditions. Subject to availability, learners who finish certification-track courses can enroll at TESDA Women’s Center for AWS Academy’s learning pathways. They may qualify for exam vouchers, depending on eligibility requirements, policies, and applicable limits.
“Cloud and AI skills should be for everyone,” Lim said. “Through this partnership with TESDA, we’re making world-class training available to every Filipino, whether they’re starting their career or embarking on a new one. When you remove the barriers of cost and access, you give an entire generation the tools to build a better future for themselves and their communities.”
TESDA plans to add AWS courses on cloud architecture, security, and databases. It also plans regional training events and wider use of AWS content across its technology institutions and provincial training centers.
The agreement follows AWS’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cloud deployment helped TESDA expand TOP to meet growing demand for online learning.