According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during the Philippine Power Industry HR Forum held at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City, positions such as "Power Plant Maintenance Engineer" and "Maintenance/Power Plant Engineers" are difficult to fill locally.
The shortage of skilled workers may be due to a lack of qualified applicants or because potential candidates for these positions are currently based abroad.
"Between 2016 and 2021, employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals. The Philippines saw an increase in employment in the renewable energy industry last year, but more could have been employed if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector," said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr.
The Aboitiz Power Corporation's Chief People Officer, Malu Inofre, stated that it is vital to develop workers capable of ensuring energy security and related tasks, ensuring that citizens can afford energy prices and have an uninterrupted supply.
"There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country. However, one of our most significant challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the energy mix, digital systems, and regulations of the industry," according to Inofre.
"Upskilling will be the key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the switch to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for the country," Inofre added.
Meanwhile, Meralco Power Academy Program Management Director Engr. Marc Lester Malibiran said that in addition to upskilling workers, the sector must also become appealing, especially to the youth.
"By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy. Sadly, we are seeing a decline in both the uptake and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), averaging only a 21% completion rate," said Malibiran.
Aboitiz Power has already recruited and trained young academic and professional achievers to operate, monitor, and control the National Operations Control Center, which manages more than 20 renewable energy facilities of the company across the country from a single central location.
(Photo from the Philippine News Agency)
