There are many workers in the energy sector in Trinidad & Tobago who are skilled and experienced, but who lack any formal certification. These individuals have typically learnt their craft on the job through their direct exposure on maintenance programmes or infrastructure upgrades. They are typically not employed full-time with contractor companies, but pick up temporary work usually when there is a major turnaround taking place.

One of the major strategic objectives of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago is to assess the skills of these itinerant workers, using a Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) approach. This methodology acknowledges the value of informal and non-formal learning by certifying workers based on their real-world experience whether gained through employment, independent study, volunteer work, or community-based activities.

To advance this objective, the Energy Chamber, in collaboration with the Point Lisas Energy Association (PLEA) and the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC), has officially rolled out the PLAR programme. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to promote a more competent, certified, and safety-conscious workforce within Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector.

As part of this initiative, PLEA has sponsored 50 individuals to undergo the full PLAR certification process. The first phase of the programme includes 20 candidates selected for assessment in two critical occupational areas:

  • Lifting Operations (Rigging & Signalling) Level 2

  • Mechanical Maintenance Level 2

All selected candidates have successfully registered with NESC, and an orientation session was held on Friday 6th June at the Energy Chamber Learning Centre, Atlantic Plaza, Point Lisas. The session provided participants with a detailed overview of the assessment process and next steps toward certification.

The assessments will be conducted over the period June 13th to 23rd, marking a significant step in formally recognising the competencies of workers who have long contributed to the sector but have not had access to formal certification pathways.

The PLAR programme delivers numerous long-term benefits, including increased employability, higher earning potential, and improved safety and reliability across the industry. More importantly, it acknowledges and validates the expertise of a key segment of the workforce that has traditionally been under-recognised.

This programme is a testament to the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and national capacity building, ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector remains globally competitive while supporting the livelihoods of its local workforce.