A partnership in Tarlac City is putting new workers on a clearer track into the masonry trade, with the first batch of trainees completing a focused program tied to real construction needs in Central Luzon.
Aboitiz Economic Estates launched the training through Talent Edge, its workforce sustainability initiative. The effort was developed with Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Construction, TESDA, the Provincial Government of Tarlac, and the City Government of Tarlac. Training is delivered by the Tarlac Center for Learning and Skills Success as part of a broader push to align skills programs with local industry demand.
The inaugural course centered on masonry, which the partners identified as a priority skill. Graduates received certificates of completion and gained competencies aligned with pursuing TESDA National Certification II (NC II) in Masonry, a credential that can strengthen job readiness for construction work across Tarlac and the wider region.
For mason contractors and construction employers, the takeaway is straightforward. Programs like this create a local pipeline that is already mapped to a recognized certification. When hiring, ask applicants where they trained, confirm their NC II status or progress, and match assignments to what they have been assessed on in the field, such as layout, mortar work, and proper tool use. For contractors building long-term crews, partnerships with local training centers and TESDA can also reduce ramp-up time on entry-level labor.
The training cohort is tied to broader development activity around the 384-hectare TARI Estate. Aboitiz Economic Estates says the site will generate at least 60,000 jobs over time as locators expand operations. Participant Architect Sofia Lim said the program gave Tarlaqueños a chance to improve their skills while working toward certification in their chosen trade.
Read the full, original article from Punto! Central Luzon here.