INTRODUCTION

The National Energy Skills Center is a non-profit foundation established by major industrial enterprises in partnership with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT). The NESC has the mandate to ensure the availability of skilled human resources to support the country's industrial development and in particular the energy and energy based industries.

Within the past few years there has been an increase in heavy construction work arising from projects initiated by GOTT and the private sector. As a result, the demand for persons with skills in heavy equipment operations and maintenance has increased tremendously. To this end, and because of the increase in competition for skilled labor particularly in the construction industry, the need for a training provider with emphasis on heavy equipment operations and maintenance has now become critical.

The NESC, as part of its augmented mandate, has been directed by the Ministry of Science Technology and Tertiary Education (MSTTE) to address this gap, through a combination of Heavy Equipment Operator and Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician training programmes.   These programmes should be designed to address the immediate needs of the industry and to develop a cadre of heavy equipment specialists to facilitate ongoing and future development works.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINING

Programme Objectives

The general objective of this programme is to develop and create a pool of entry level heavy machinery operators with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and work habits necessary to be gainfully employed in the construction sector.

Other specific objectives include, to:

•  Fill the current demand in the industry

•  Offer training opportunities to nationals for sustainable employment

•  Offer certification to persons already operating in the field

•  Assist in developing and implementing industry standards

•  Enable articulation into similar and higher level skill programmes

A modular approach is being used in the development of this programme based on the following considerations:

• The equipment most in demand in the industry
• The Licensing Authority Classification of the Ministry of Works and Transport
• The Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification (TTNVQ)
• Certification criteria of international certification bodies

Training Centers

The NESC propose to launch its heavy equipment operator training in both north and central Trinidad .   In addition, a Mobile Heavy Equipment Simulation Lab will be developed to enable the training to cover a wider cross-section of Trinidad and Tobago .   The targeted Centers are:

• NESC Laventille Technology and Continuing Education Center
• NESC Skills and Technology Center , Point Lisas

TRAINING PROGRAMME

Module	Cycle 1	Cycle 2
Wheel Loader/Backhoe Operator	June/July	Sept./Oct.
Excavator Operator	June/July	Sept./Oct.
Bulldozer Operator	June/July	Sept./Oct.
Motor Grader Operator	June/July	Sept./Oct.
Mobile Crane Operator	Jul./Aug.	Oct./Nov.
Wellhead Boom Truck Operator	Jul./Aug.	Oct./Nov.
Heavy Boom Truck Operator	Jul./Aug.	Oct./Nov.
Tower Crane Operator	Aug./Sept.	-
Fork Lift Operator	Jul./Aug.	Oct./Nov.

The four (4) stage approach has being adopted in the delivery of the heavy equipment training modules.   These stages are outlined below:

1. Theoretical Training:

•  Safety in Practice

•  Application and Operation of Equipment

•  Start-up and Shut-down procedures

•  Basic Mathematics

•  Blue Print Reading

•  Hand and Audible Signals

•  Other

2. Simulator Training:

•  Operating with Computer Aided Simulator

•  Operating in Cab Simulator

3. “In-Field” Training:

•  Life equipment operation in NESC training grounds

4. On-the- Job Training (OJT):

•  Construction Site OJT with Experienced Operator

TRAINING SCHEDULE

PARTICIPANT COST

Subsidized cost – to be determined