28 Jul
TRAINING programmes for 13 different skills-based jobs are being showcased as part of the Market Day event currently taking place at the Centre for Capacity Building.
During the Market Day, locals can learn about various training programmes offered by the Centre for Capacity Building, including through live job demonstrations and interactions with qualified industry personnel to gain insights into various job positions.
One such vocation being showcased is that of blaster painter.
As is described on information screens at the event, a blaster painter prepares and cleans metal surfaces using blasting equipment, and then applies protective paints and coatings to prevent corrosion. A blaster painter may work on individual pieces of equipment in a blasting and coating shed and sometimes on structures or equipment in the field.
After a PPK training period of three months, the career pathway of a blaster painter is: junior blaster/painter, senior blaster/painter, lead man/junior inspector, and field/project supervisor/inspector.
Nurul Mejdah Sufiana Nurliana’ binti Zailizal is a blaster painter who, after one year of training and working, has managed to be promoted to the rank of Supervisor at Sahid Sdn Bhd.
She was a student at the Mechanical Training Centre in 2016, and trained with Blue Oceanic Management Services. She noted that while the early part of the training was difficult, she managed to overcome the difficulties.
“One day, I just decided to really focus and told myself that this is my future job,” she said, highlighting that her interest in the field grew significantly.
After successfully completing her training, as well as a subsequent job interview and employment, she shared that she brought her interest for the work with her to the job itself. “I continued on with it. I did the work.”
She said that while the challenges were many, she managed to strengthen my resolve, and she greatly enjoys her work. “In the end, after one year, I trained hard, I learned what I had to do, I worked hard, and I was able to make it to supervisor.”
“I hope that I can encourage other locals by saying that work is fun if you can develop an interest in it. If you don’t have that interest yet, ask for advice from those who are more experienced, or even look online to learn more. Don’t give up early.” she added, highlighting the importance of putting in effort.
Another of the featured jobs at the Market Day event is that of scaffolder, which is described as a skilled worker who erects and dismantles scaffolding structures which are used by other personnel to access higher levels of buildings and plants for construction, renovation, operations or maintenance works.
Scaffolders usually work in teams with steel tubings, fittings, timber boards and ladders to erect the scaffolding structures and dismantle them for use.
The career pathway after three months of training is: junior scaffolder, basic scaffolder, intermediate scaffolder, advanced scaffolder, with future options as scaffolding supervisor and scaffolding inspector.
Hanif bin Hamdani, Md Nazih bin Haji Ibrahim and Mohd Taufik Ihsan bin Mohd Zamri all trained with Joffren Omar Company Sdn Bhd and Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd, before becoming employed as junior scaffolders at Serikandi Oilfield Services Sdn Bhd.
Speaking about how they got into their line of work, they shared that they had heard about scaffolding from friends, and were impressed by seeing demonstrations of scaffolding work being done, and were keen on the idea of hard work that is rewarding.
They affirmed that their training helped prepare them well, as it provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge for the job. They said that scaffolding is all about teamwork, and because we work as a team, the work is enjoyable.
They also advised that jobseekers should not be too choosy when it comes to finding work. “As long as there is an opportunity, just try. Even if it’s a job you don’t initially have much interest in, you never know how successful you can be there.”
Meanwhile, the work of a mason/plasterer is involved in building, altering and repairing structures using bricks, concrete blocks or natural stones.
A mason/plasterer will be able to interpret drawings and blueprints, cut and shape stones or other masonry materials using machines and hand tools, mixes mortar, lays bricks and stones as well as carries out wall and ceiling plastering.
After its three month training period, the career pathway is as follows: junior mason, senior mason, lead man, and supervisor/project supervisor.
At the mason/plasterer booth of the Market Day event yesterday were two exhibitors from Pakar Tenaga Bersatu – Hajah Noorhayathy binti Haji Lakim, a Project Manager and Dayangku Amal Nadiah binti Pengiran Hishamuddin Alli, an intern.
Hajah Noorhayathy shared that she has been in the construction industry since 1997, and that she has worked her way up the ranks from site supervisor to her current position of Project Manager.
She noted masons/plasterers’ involvement in the construction industry, and highlighted the importance for people looking into this line of work to be self-motivated, independent, to be ready to tackle challenges and to push themselves.
On her own experience working in the construction industry, she said, “For me, it’s very challenging, but it’s worth it.
“My work experience has exposed me to the construction field, as I was a site supervisor, from below. So I supervise everyone there, and then from there, my position upgraded through experience.”
She enjoyed her career in the construction industry so far, and hopes to encourage other people to do the same.
More information on the scaffolder, blaster painter, mason/plasterer and the other jobs and their respective courses can be attained by visiting the Market Day event at the Centre for Capacity Building, which will be continuing today, all the way through until Sunday.
Borneo Bulletin
28 July 2017