AES Phl helps produce world-class welders

MANILA, Philippines - The AES Philippines’ Community-Based Livelihood and Skills Training Center recently produced its first batch of graduates and awarded them with Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certificates, as they successfully passed the two-month training on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). With their newly acquired skills, the 34 graduates are now part of the pool of skilled workers who will be a potential source of manpower both locally and abroad.

According to studies from TESDA, the basic welding course is one of the most popular and most successful livelihood training seminars; and with the program only requiring 240 hours of training, the AES Philippines’ Training Center aims to provide quarterly classes, as students who finish the program will be given TESDA Certifications as basic welders.

During the commencement program of the facility’s pioneer batch of welders, Zambales Vice-Governor and PESO manager Ramon Lacbain II mentioned that the demand for welding skills in the country and abroad is getting higher due to rising industry demands that require such skills. “The municipality of Masinloc is very lucky to have been provided with a fully-equipped training facility by AES Philippines. With support from companies like AES Philippines, I can envision Zambales as a primary source of skilled individuals in the country,” he said.

Among those who graced the commencement program include Zambales Vice-Governor and Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager Ramon Lacbain II, Masinloc Mayor Desiree Edora, Councilors Helen Ebilane and Daniel Eamilao, TESDA representatives Eugene Peñaranda and Jeffrey Quinquito, Masinloc PESO officer Josephine Barcena and her staff, Barangay Sta. Rita Barangay Captain Edgar Eamilao and AES Philippines plant manager Kevin Pierce.

“Programs such as these underscore our steadfast commitment to being part of the Masinloc community and our resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of people,” said Kevin Pierce, plant manager of the Masinloc Power Facility, a power plant based in Masinloc, Zambales operated by the Philippine subsidiary of global energy company, the AES Corp. “With this center, we look forward to having immediate access to a local pool of highly skilled workers that can help us maintain the operational excellence of the plant,” he added.

After the awarding of certificates to the successful graduates, the local government unit of Masinloc through Mayor Edora presented to Pierce a certificate of appreciation for AES Philippines’ sincere commitment and continuous support in developing a pool of skilled individuals through the establishment of the Masinloc Training Facility.