NGCP, TESDA to develop certification standards
THE partnership of two giants in the technical field will prove to be beneficial for current and future power line personnel in the country.
On March 20, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines ( NGCP) joined hands with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority ( TESDA) to further improve the National Certification Standards of power line professionals.
Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, TESDA, represented by its Director General, Secretary Guiling A. Mamondiong, and NGCP, led by its President and CEO, H en Rysy Jr ., pledged to work together to develop the Filipino talent into internationally competent technical professionals.
Dub bed “everyday heroes, ”NGCP’ s line men are the company’s respected workforce. “As the power industry is constantly growing, so too must the knowledge and competence of our men and women on the field,” stated NGCP.
Ma mon diong a ck now ledged NGCP’ s contribution to TESDA’s ultimate goal of providing skilled employment, especially to the marginalized, the out- of- school youth, returning OFWs, recovering addicts, among others.
“We cannot do it on our own. We are going for helping everyone, even with our limited budget. [ That is why] I am extending my appreciation to NGCP for this partnership,” he said.
Ma mon dion gal so pledged to fast- track all processes and ensure the full implementation of the MOA.
For NGCP’s part, Sy noted the importance of TESDA in building the capacity of potential skilled workers. “TESDA will play a major role especially in the improvement of the infrastructure industry. One major problem we experience is the lack of skilled laborers and other skilled personnel. With the infrastructure program launched by the administration, there will be a bigger demand for skilled workers. I am confident that with this partnership, we can contribute to meeting that demand. We are in a position to help, and with the support of TESDA, we will do a good job.”
The partnership also marked the launch the Line Ranger School— a 6- month program which aims to attract aspiring young talents to enlist in NGCP’s talent pool. NGCP launched the first batch of trainees for the Line Ranger School last February. One hundred and twenty line rangers in four newly established schools located in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, were accepted into the program. The line rangers, while on training, will be fully- supported by NGCP before they become full-fledged power line personnel.
NGCP shall fund the entire program, and provide training facilities and instructors. TESDA, for its part, will provide the training module standardization, program and facility accreditation, and certification of training course graduates.
“We are delighted to be working with TESDA. The institution’s excellent reputation as the leading certification body for technical and skilled workers, and NGCP’s own track record in developing world- class professionals in the power sector, will provide greater credibility to the program and to the capability of our graduates,” Sy said./ PN