First PTECH Grads Off To Work Already
By Melissa Moniz
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Waikele resident Stewart Silva and classmate Aaron Kanemoto of Aiea credit the Process Technology program at Leeward Community College for their new careers in electricity production at Hawaiian Electric Company.
As part of the first graduating class of the PTECH program last December, Silva, a Mililani High School graduate, and Kanemoto, an Aiea High grad, are now power plant operators a HECO’s Waiau Power Plant.
The program launched in summer 2007 with just 12 students, including Silva and Kanemoto. It was an initiative through companies such as HECO, AES, Caltrol, Chevron, H-Power and Tesoro.
“We saw the potential in filling critical positions within the workforce and jumped on board to show our support for a new educational program in the community,” said Joanne Honda of HECO’s work force staffing and development.
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A PTECH certification involves taking general education classes, along with courses that cover everything from systems, operations and troubleshooting to safety, health and environment. The curriculum also included a four-day extern-ship and power plant tour at HECO’s Waiau facility.
“We weren’t just sitting around with a book,” said Silva.“We would have hands-on classes to understand real-world applications, which prepared us for an industrial environment.
“The PTECH classes prepared me for the job. I learned that this position is for people who like to work independently and troubleshoot problems.”
For more information about the PTECH program, visit http://www.ocewd.org and click on Process Technology.
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