President Anthony Fernandez (right) and training supervisor Cherrie Tuazon show First Balfour’s certificate of program registrationThe Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has officially accredited First Balfour as an enterprise-based training center of two programs—construction site supervision (CSS) and construction trade supervision (CTS). These programs form part of the construction supervisors training program (CSTP) established by the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) in collaboration with TESDA in June 2018.

CSS entails 192 hours of online training. The specialized training course covers competencies such as learning effective communication skills, conflict resolution strategies and risk management techniques necessary to oversee construction projects. The graduates will be issued a TESDA Level IV certificate which is equivalent to global cer tific ation standards for site supervision.

Similarly, CTS will run for a total of 192 hours but will be delivered face to face at the First Balfour head office in Parañaque. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and supervise different construction trade activities.

First Balfour training supervisor Cherrie Tuazon said that upon the issuance of a notice to proceed (NTP) from TESDA, HR training could roll out the courses within the month.

“When we receive the NTP, we can already accommodate as many as 25 learners from PCA,” noted Tuazon. The training instructor for both courses is Engr. Anthony Dalisay from First Balfour’s HR learning and development team.

CSTP is recognized by the Institute of Leadership and Management of the UK and has gained an “Assured Programme Status” which means its policies and procedures are of global standards. Therefore, both course curricula are mapped against the competency standards of UK Technical & Vocational Education & Training which guarantee graduates a certification that is recognized internationally.

Launched as part of PCA’s road map agenda to enhance skills training and education for a globally competitive construction industry, the CSTP targets to train 2,000 individuals to become qualified and job-ready construction supervisors and assistant construction supervisors. Delivered by the PCA Foundation (PCAF), these training and continuing education opportunities for construction professionals are aimed at pushing the Philippine construction workforce to become globally competitive. PCAF’s president is currently First Balfour president and chief operating officer Anthony Fernandez.

(Story/Photos by:Dolly Pasia-Ramos)