Launched in January 2011, Ambatovy’s Technical Excellence Program trains graduates from the Atsinanana Region as qualified operators at the Plant Site to gradually replace foreign workers during Ambatovy’s Operations phase. Established in collaboration with the Atsinanana Region through the Regional Coordination Committee and the Regional Department of Vocational Training, the Program is currently preparing to receive its second wave of trainees.
The Ambatovy Training Center plans to host 100 new trainees in January 2012. As with the first wave, the course consists of 18-months training and a two-month internship, after which successful trainees will be offered an employment contract. About 1,300 students from 21 public and private schools in the Districts of Mahanoro, Vatomandry, Brickaville and Toamasina I were informed of the program — and encouraged to apply — in July 2011.
By 2015, Ambatovy will have developed more than 200 trainees. This initiative corresponds to the Project’s commitment to favour local candidates, build capacity and increase technical competencies in the Atsinanana Region. The Ambatovy Training Centre is expecting to receive more than 900 applications for this second wave of free, international-standard training.
