PHL forms trainers’ group to advance digital skills in construction

THE Philippines has formed its first group of master trainers in Building Information Modeling (BIM) as part of efforts to advance digital skills in the construction sector, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

In a news release on Monday, the ILO Philippines said the first batch of trainers completed a BIM master training program held from May 18 to 22, which is expected to support the nationwide rollout of digital construction training.

BIM is a digital system used in construction projects that allows engineers, architects, and contractors to work from shared digital models to improve planning, project management, and resource use.

Michael Gayona, center coordinator of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority green technology center, was quoted as saying that BIM has been identified as an emerging competency needed to prepare workers for future industry demand.

The ILO said the training program was conducted under the ILO-Korea Partnership Program on Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN, which aims to help prepare workers for jobs linked to digital and green technologies.

It added that as global markets demand higher digital proficiency, the local industry is moving to address a potential skills gap that impacts domestic infrastructure and the overseas labor market, where Filipino architects and engineers remain in high demand.

The initiative is supported by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Construction Manpower Development Foundation. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking