Power linemen get TESDA training

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has renewed its cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for a skills training program for linemen of electric cooperatives (ECs) and barangay electricians across the country.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong and TESDA director general Guiling Mamondiong.

The project aims to capacitate linemen and the barangay electricians with necessary skills to meet the demands and requirements of ECs especially in times of calamities and disasters.

Mamondiong said the project would bring benefits to thousands of Filipinos here and abroad.

“This will create jobs and means of livelihood to hundreds of thousands of Filipino people not just in the country but also abroad,” he said, noting these jobs are in demand abroad.

Under the MOU, TESDA will assist in the review of curriculum on electric power distribution line construction (Lineman) NC II; conduct competency assessment to the graduates and issue a national certificate to the passers and assist in the capability of trainers and assessors.

NEA, on the other hand, will conduct the training programs for lineman NC II and electrical installation and maintenance NC II in coordination with the ECs; and identify qualified applicants who will undergo the competency assessment and certification program.

The electrification agency will likewise create and institutionalize a pool of certified linemen and barangay electricians willing to further undergo training program for the next level of competency, and monitor the list of certified graduates.

TESDA earlier teamed up with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to develop national certification standards and to develop Filipinos into internationally competent technical professionals.

Under the partnership, the grid operator will 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.

NGCP said the knowledge and competence of its personnel should also be raised as the power industry is constantly growing.