Isuzu chairman inspires scholars in company-funded TESDA training center

MANILA, Philippines – Yoshinori Ida, chairman of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML), was in the country recently to personally visit the Isuzu-financed TESDA automotive mechanic training center in Tacloban, Leyte, an Isuzu corporate social responsibility project that was formally launched in November last year.

The TESDA training center, which currently trains 30 Isuzu scholars (19 boys and 11 girls), is estimated to have cost $3 million. The scholars will finish the special two-year course in October 2010. Another batch of 30 Isuzu scholars will begin their training tomorrow, May 8.

Isuzu aims to help underprivileged but qualified Filipino youths by funding the training facilities and the students’ board and lodging. The Japanese automaker has also donated one NHR Passenger Van (from IPC) and one Crosswind XTi (from IML) to shuttle the students and the training center personnel.

Ida paid the training center a visit to see to it that it is teaching an auto-mechanic course that is on a par with industry standards. He was delighted to witness the scholars performing hands-on work on various Isuzu engines. “The important component of the house is its foundation,” Ida told the scholars. “Just like a house, your foundation in this training center is very important, and it will bring you to where you would like to be in the future.”

The Isuzu chairman then encouraged the trainees to be motivated and focused on their studies.

Indeed, Isuzu’s scholars need all the focus in the world. They need to hurdle all the national certificataion levels from I to IV within a two-year period in order to pass the course. At present, the scholars are almost done with NC1, which tackles automotive servicing. Among the basic modules included in the NC1 curriculum are workplace communication, teamwork, work values, and housekeeping procedures.

The practical part, meanwhile, consists of such lessons as applying sealant and adhesive; moving and positioning a vehicle; performing mensuration and calculation; interpreting and applying specifications and manual; using lubricants and coolants; performing shop maintenance; tuning up diesel and gasoline engines; servicing automotive batteries; servicing ignition systems; testing and repairing wiring and lighting systems; and performing underchassis maintenance.

After completing the NC1 modules, the scholars are to undergo a competency assessment to determine who among them are qualified for an NC1 certificate, which is duly recognized by government and private agencies.

Liking what he saw during his visit of the TESDA auto-mechanic training center, Ida demonstrated to the scholars how to prepare and cook the popular Japanese dish yakisoba. It was his way of motivating the young trainees to be serious with their vocation. To show their appreciation, the scholars performed song and dance numbers before the Isuzu chairman.

Thanks to Isuzu and TESDA, the future looks bright for these Filipino youths and the local auto industry is assured of a steady stream of competent car mechanics in years to come.