The energy sector is stirring back to life and suppliers must begin their investment now to take advantage of new opportunities when the sector picks up speed in 2010, says Alutrint's Chief Executive Officer, Philip Julien. He said Alutrint as well as several other energy and heavy industry companies were planning to pick up the pace of their production and construction activities in 2010 in anticipation of higher demand for products and commodities. Speaking at this year's Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain on Tuesday, Julien said local suppliers and businesses would be well advised to invest now to position themselves to take up the new opportunities that will arise when the global economy begins to turnaround. "At Alutrint, our construction peak this year will see more than 1,600 workers employed on site over the course of this year. We have started making preparations in anticipation of us meeting the legal requirements of the court order."
He said the company would comply with all local laws and had been making a significant investment in training and recruitment for the new facility as well as investing in its corporate social responsibility programs to make a difference in the lives of citizens in communities close to where the smelter will be operating. "We are looking at recruiting as much of our staff from the La Brea area, and we have taken the commitment to train many of them to take up positions at our firm. "We believe this is an important way to improve the quality of life in the area as well as change the social dynamics of the communities in a positive way," he saiid.
He said 450 persons had applied for their on-the-job-training programme. Of that figure 85 were chosen for the training programme and the top 65 will be hired as part of their permanent staff. "The training programme will include team building as well as a technical proficiency component depending on their speciality. "The recruits who are successful in joining our permanent staff will get an opportunity to carry their training even further when they embark on the foreign training component of the programme. "Trinidad and Tobago is very lucky to start an aluminium industry from the ground up–with a blank slate, and we must take advantage of this opportunity for research, to improve the percentage and value of local content, take advantage of opportunities for skills transfer as well as partner with training, planning and research organisations so we can get the most out of this new industry," added Julien.