Philippines, Korean Partners Eye Shipbuilding Training Facility

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Friday said it plans to establish a training center on shipbuilding to provide Filipino workers with opportunities for this skills development. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino met recently with representatives of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (Komeri) to discuss the proposed project in Zambales province, Dole said in a statement. The agency also said this “engagement” is also aimed at developing an “ecofriendly” shipbuilding industry. “Through this collaboration, Dole seeks to ensure that workers are equipped with relevant, industry-responsive skills, opening pathways to quality employment and building a globally competitive skilled workforce for the future of the shipbuilding industry,” Dole said. The department said it will serve as the “primary focal point” for the project, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or Tesda will be the “key government counterpart for workforce development and training.” HHI and Komeri will also conduct a feasibility study “A key part of this effort is the Philippines’ partnership with the Republic of Korea, which promotes skills development and human resource development by sharing technical expertise,” Dole said. It noted that the training center “presents an opportunity to further connect workforce development with emerging industry needs.”