Saudi employees of Al Rushaid Construction Company Ltd. (ARCC) gathered in the completed Model Plant Project with Saudi Aramco Company Representative Mohammed Abdullah A. Al Mana, JGC Arabia Ltd. Site Manager Keizo Kawafuchi and ARCC Vice President & General Manager for Operation Mercado T. Magno during the Recognition Day. MANIFA, Afif – More than 400 out of 847 Saudi workers of Al Rushaid Construction Company Ltd. (ARCC) were honored by Saudi Aramco recently on their completion of a replica of a plant as part of their enhancement and skills development program initiated by ARCC. The project was supported by JGC Arabia Ltd., main contractor of Aramco Central Processing Facilities in Manifa. The Saudi workers were involved in constructing, welding, fitting, installing and erecting a model plant project following their rigid off-site and theoretical training. The model plant, which started on Sept. 12, 2011 aims to provide a complete construction methodology, sequence of work, preparing the basic requirement of resources and to create a supply loading with in-depth familiarity of tools and equipment to perform in a construction and maintenance job in the future. The on-site training will enhance and develop the skills of Saudi workers engaged in electro-mechanical and construction work, implementing Aramco's standard in quality and safety. The vision of having a model plant exclusively for Saudi personnel was originally designed by Edwin T. Paragas, ARCC Group Manager for Operation. He saw the need for an on-site and hands-on-training facilities so that the Saudi workers' skills and confidence will be developed prior to the actual work at the project site. The concept is also aimed at instilling enthusiasm and full knowledge of the job. Since then, ARCC produced Saudi skilled workers with various Aramco Certification in welding, heavy equipment operation, and created a group of scaffolders, electricians, pipefitters, mechanical fitters and steelworkers that contributed to the success of Aramco Manifa Project. “ARCC is not only committed to Saudization program, but we are also striving for a quality Saudization, that is why we provided them the needed support in their education, skills and hands-on training until they become independent in their chosen construction discipline,” said Mercado T. Magno, ARCC Vice President and General Manager for Operation. “Our priority now is getting the young Saudis to work, become better qualified and get good compensation. We want our Saudi youth to become competitive in construction industry and compete among local and foreign workers as well,” he further said, noting that “the involvement of these young Saudis in this project is leading to a rewarding career.” Keizo Kawafuchi-San, Site Manager of JGC Arabia Ltd., congratulated the Saudis' active role and participation in the model plant, saying that “there are among you who acquired Saudi Aramco Certification in welding, heavy equipment operating, work permit to perform the job and that's an advantage in your next level of career. I can assure a bright future for those who really want to stand out.” Saudi Aramco company representative Mohammed Abdullah A. Al Mana, who witnessed and was a part of the ground breaking ceremony last year, applauded the Saudi workers for the effort and dedication in building the dream that comes into reality. “It was only last year when the first soil was excavated to lay the foundation of what is now a model plant. This is a manifestation that the Saudis can dominate the construction work and compete among other skilled workers in the field of construction.” He further said that it is “the only company in Manifa with on-site training facility, and I know it's a challenge, with ARCC's strong presence in some Saudi Aramco Project and their quality workmanship, I can say that these young men has now the potential to influence others and will surely contribute to nation building. I want them to ride in the momentum and take their lion's share.” To measure competency and level of individual achievement, Saudis who excelled in their disciplines were awarded as Best in Welding, Best in Scaffolding, Best in Safety, Best in Piping and Best in Electrical, including workers who showed safety consciousness and zero absences. Prior to the closing ceremony, the workers gathered for a plant tour and become emotional in a memorabilia exhibit, reminiscing their first step in one of Aramco's mega projects. Previous Saudi workers of the model plant are now assigned in various project of ARCC such as Sadara Project, adapting the skills they've learned in the model plant. With the success of the program, the model plant will be shipped to ARCC Training Center in Juaymah, and will be used as training ground for incoming Saudi workers prior to their deployment at project site. To continue the journey of these young men, they are also part of the ARCC Skills Olympic to be held on Nov. 7, 2012 – a competition for all ARCC skilled workers regardless of nationality to showcase their talent in respective discipline, promote harmony and team spirit and get the reward for those who display excellence. ARCC is a joint business venture of EEI Corporation of the Philippines and Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Group of Companies (ARPIC) of Saudi Arabia. – SG
