AES Philippines launches Masinloc training facility

AES Philippines, together with the Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the local government of Masinloc, launched the Community-Based Livelihood and Skills Training Center in Masinloc, a welder's training center that will benefit Zambales residents.

As human capital development remains to be among AES Philippines' corporate social responsibility thrusts, the center aims to train and help develop a pool of skilled laborers that will eventually take an active role in boosting the domestic economy of Masinloc.

It will offer four courses specializing in the different skills involved in welding -- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).

RIBBON cutting and launching of the Masinloc Training Facility in Masinloc Zambales with (L to R) Vice Mayor Jeffrey Bautista, Tesda Specialist Eugene Panesa, Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain III, Zambales Provincial Administrator Randy Ebdane, AES Corp. VP for Asian Operations Tom Kunde, AES Philippines Country Manager Andy Horrocks, AES Philippines VP for Commercial Operations Juan Ignacio Rubiolo and Masinloc Power Facility Plant Manager Kevin Pierce. (Contributed photo)

"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 Corporation.

"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.

The center is fully equipped with the necessary welding and grinding areas, in compliance with Tesda’s specifications. AES Philippines will also provide the prescribed training tools such as welding equipment, accessories, supplies, training materials and personal protection.

Based on a class size of 25 trainees, the Welder's Training Center will have the following areas: Welding Booth, Grinding Booth, Materials Area, Bench Work Area and Tool/Storage Area. Per year, the facility will be able to accommodate 100 students.

Tesda Regional Specialist Eugene Panesa said they will provide the center with technical assistance to ensure the smooth operation of the training center.

"We are fortunate to have companies such as AES Philippines invest in community-based training centers such as this. Through thorough guidance, we will monitor the progress of this facility and make sure that the curriculum is being implemented in accordance with the agreement," said Tesda specialist Panesa.

According to studies from Tesda, the basic welding course is one of the most popular and most successful livelihood training seminars. Students who finish the 268-hour course are given Tesda certifications as basic welders.

"With the help of concerned corporate entities like AES Philippines, we are more certain of the possibilities and potentials that we can aim for," said Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. "Today's inauguration of the Masinloc Training Facility boosts our forward march. The drive for growth must start with each of us, must necessarily involve each of us." (PR)