NESC receives Alcoa funds

In a statement on Wednesday, Alcoa’s president (primary metals development) Randy Overbey said, “Our involvement with and contribution to the NESC is tangible evidence of our commitment to education and training that will support the creation of long-term, well-paying jobs within TT.”

NESC CEO Raphael Jones praised Alcoa for joining the NESC and said Alcoa’s contribution would help the NESC to pursue its mandate “to provide the necessary training modelled around the skill expectations of new plants targeted for the energy and energy-related industries.”

The NESC will design and provide specific training to support the proposed Alcoa operation through a variety of training modules including industrial maintenance and heavy equipment maintenance.

The Cap-de-Ville smelter will employ an average of 1,500 persons during its two year construction phase.

Approximately 750 to 800 persons will be directly or indirectly employed once the smelter is operational.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has identified aluminum as a key growth industry for TT, but residents of south-west Trinidad are opposing the construction of the Cap-de-Ville smelter for health and safety reasons.