Director of the Lao-German Technical College, Mr Khamsavai Nhommilavong.

Lao-German College, Phu Bia Mining partner to build a skilled workforce

These days employers are in need of skilled workers who are competent in their field of expertise. Unfortunately, these are difficult requirements for most job-entry personnel and new college graduates, who struggle to find work, but it’s not a problem for many graduates of the Lao-German Technical College (LGTC) in Vientiane.
Most of those who have taken courses at this renowned vocational training centre are able to get good jobs because they have the skills that are in demand in today’s job market.
Since 2012, the college has been partnering with Phu Bia Mining (PBM) to organise skills training, so that graduates learn specialised technical skills that meet the needs of today’s employers.
In September 2018, Phu Bia Mining’s parent Company, PanAust received the ‘Friend of Laos Award’ at the Lao ASEAN Business Awards in Vientiane. The Award recognised the contribution the Company has made to socio-economic development in Laos since its Operations commenced in 2008.
In November 2018 PanAust received the prestigious ‘Friend of ASEAN Award’ at the ‘2018 ASEAN Business Awards’ gala event in Singapore. The ‘Friend of ASEAN Award’ was bestowed on PanAust for demonstrating a continuous and increased commitment to growing its presence and thereby positively impacting Laos’s economy.
Last year, PBM won the Lao Special Award in Skill Development at the 2021 ASEAN Business Awards Lao PDR gala event.
LGTC Director Mr Khamsavai Nhommilavong told Vientiane Times the college had been collaborating with PBM in training programmes for some years before drawing up a contract in 2012.
He said vocational education aimed to give young people the practical skills needed to work in various fields of industry, which are now proliferating in Laos. At the same time, it gives students a useful qualification, which is a huge advantage in the job market.
“Phu Bia Mining is keen to see young people trained in a variety of technical skills and has set up a training programme to ensure there are sufficient numbers of skilled people able to take up jobs in mining operations,” Mr Khamsavai said.
The company provides support for 44 students, who do five weeks of theory at the college, work with PBM for two weeks and then return to the college for more classes. They continue this rotation for five years.
Upon completion of the course, students who have enrolled in the company’s programme are tested to see that they meet Australian standards, and are eligible for one of two qualifications. One is a LGTC diploma and the other is an Australian TAFE Certificate III trade qualification.
“The programme is very useful in helping to train young people in various areas of specialisation and especially benefits disadvantaged and young people, because PBM offers more scholarships to these groups,” Mr Khamsavai said.
The company also provides teaching and learning materials and funds other aspects of teachers’ work.
Trainees in the PBM programme are enthusiastic, diligent in their studies, are able to work independently and have good ideas; the most important thing is that they enjoy their training, the director added.
“We tell all our graduates that they can come back to us if they can’t find a job because we will help them. We keep an eye on our students and know that most of them are able to get jobs that match their training,” he said.
PBM Trades Training Superintendent, Mr Craig Spitt, told Vientiane Times that prior to 2013, students were trained to operate general industrial machinery, not mining-specific machinery, so PBM’s programme ensures that trainees acquire skill levels comparable to those in other countries.
“Lao technicians are much better than in the past, when PBM hired a large number of foreigners. But now it’s not necessary to employ so many foreigners because we can hire more skilled Lao workers, who are highly capable,” he said.
The current batch of 44 students is the third group to be trained under PBM’s programme, with two groups of 85 people undergoing training in previous years.
PBM also provides additional training for teachers so that they gain experience in fields specifically related to the mining industry, which benefits the college as well as teachers and trainees.
Trainees who receive scholarships from PBM are able to work in a good environment with good accommodation, welfare, and all essential facilities.
“Of the last batch of 85 graduates, all got jobs. Some were placed in advanced positions, some became team leaders, some are now supervisors, and some became professional engineers,” Mr Spitt said.
Phu Bia Mining intends to continue and expand its training programme, which is currently being presented to its Board of Directors, with the aim of enrolling at least 3,000 trainees between now and 2023. However, the company will provide scholarships to only 40 people.
One of the current scholarship recipients, Ms Xuevang Nengmongvang from Xieng Khuang province, is doing a course in mechanics. She saw the scholarship advertised on 108 Jobs.
“It’s been a huge challenge for me because when I started I didn’t know a thing about vehicles, especially heavy machinery, and I felt it would be amazing for a small woman like me to be able to understand how they worked,” Xuevang said.
“Initially I found learning difficult, especially as a woman in this field, but later on it became easier because the teachers were very knowledgeable and I was able to understand what they were trying to communicate. The best thing about the course is that what we learn at college applies directly to working in the field.
Another student, Mr Tongher Yialee, said he tried very hard to get a scholarship and had to pass several tests. He was delighted to be selected and is confident of getting a good job when he finishes his course, but hopes to be able to continue his studies abroad.
“I always used to wonder how vehicles operated. To begin with I didn’t understand a thing, but after one year I know a whole lot about mechanics,” he said.
“The main reason that I want to study abroad is because I want to get a higher degree and learn a whole lot more about mechanics,” he added.

Mr Tongher Yialee and Ms Xuevang Nengmongvang compare notes as they discuss a class.	Trainees learn the nuts and bolts of mechanics.
Phu Bia Mining Senior Manager External Affairs, Manilath Arounlangsy receives the Lao Skill Development Award from the Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune at the ASEAN Business Award Lao PDR ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane.

By Advertorail Desk
 (Latest Update July 6, 2022)