CIDB, IHRDC To Offer Int'l Certification For Construction Skilled Workforce

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is collaborating with US-based International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC) to offer international certification in enhancing skills and knowledge of local construction skilled workforce and related agencies. The international certification, E-Training and Knowledge Solution, would be a requirement for construction personnel to apply for the mandatory Construction Personnel Registration Card or better known as CIDB Green Card, said Works Minister Fadillah Yusof. "We are not only talking about the construction industry, but we are talking about the ministry. "For example, Public Works Department, we are the management agency of all government projects. We want to train our own people to make sure our people are all certified, qualified and competent," he said. Fadillah was speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of the International Construction Week (ICW) 2014 here Tuesday. Also present were CIDB Chief Executive Officer Dr Judin Abdul Karim and IHRDC E-Learning Solutions Vice President Timothy Donohue. Fadillah said the first courses to be offered to construction personnel through the E-Learning Solution would be project management and safety and health. One of the focuses of the E-Training and Knowledge Solutions is the construction segment of the oil and gas industry. There would be a minimum charge of US$18 (RM60) for the programme, he said. He said the programme would be expanded into related courses under the construction industry. Earlier in his speech, Fadillah said the new programme presented a huge opportunity for the local construction industry as it would provide a boost to the international market. "To be able to pave the way into the international market, Malaysian construction workforce will definitely need to be accredited with an internationally-known certification," he said, adding skilled and competent personnel is one of the most important components of a developing nation. Meanwhile, ICW 2014 attracted 15,000 visitors from 24 countries since its first day on September 17. -- BERNAMA