Since in 2008, the Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA) in Manila has been offering underprivileged Filipinos career opportunities as “Mechatronics” or elite technical specialists for Porsche vehicles. In the past six years, a cooperation between PGA Cars and Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) has trained more than 250 young adults as motor vehicle service mechatronic technicians. PTRCA 2.0, starting 2016, will include more trainees and will extend its scope by including Audi and Volkswagen for the Middle East region.
The change from PTRCA to PTRCA 2.0 with new partners means more Filipinos will be accepted in the training program: instead of the current 32 trainees per year, in 2016 there will be 120; and in 2017, even 145.
PTRCA – local talent for a worldwide brand
The first PTRCA is the brainchild of PGA Card, Inc. Chairman and CEO Robert Coyiuto, Jr., who noticed that his local technicians were being pirated internationally through the global Porche network. The first training facility of Porsche outside of Germany was born.
Setting up PTRCA in Manila was due to (1) the Filipino’s good English language skills and good work ethic, and (2) to engage in a concrete manifestation of social responsibility: not only does the PTRCA offer access to the international labor market, it also gives underprivilenged young Filipinos a chance to improve their living conditions.
Hosting the PTRCA 2.0 was Anne Curtis-Smith.
The cooperation between PGA Cars and Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) covers Porche’s growing demand for qualified specialists, especially in the Porsche centers in the Middle East and Asia Pacific markets. PTRCA 2.0 will include Audi and Volkswagen for the Middle East region, will include a body technician apprenticeship, and (from 2017) service advisors training programs. This is set to increase benefits for all Volkswagen Group brands and the dealer network.
Increased number of trainees – Don Bosco’s role
Since PTRCA 2.0 will service the manpower needs of Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen, the number of scholars and the logistical requirements of the course will increase. This year, 60 trainees will participate in the program; and from 2016 onwards, a total of 120 trainees in two waves. The training will be comprised of four semesters (approximately 2,200 teaching hours in 24 months), with two examinations. The hands-on portion of the curriculum will likewise increase as the training progresses.
The Order Salesians Don Boscos play a major role in the overall structure of the PTRCA. With its Don Bosco Technical Institute the society has outstanding educational expertise and excellent technical know-how. In addition, the Salesians Don Boscos are the ideal partner for working with underprivileged young people. With their long-standing presence they enjoy a high level of acceptance, especially in the poor districts of the Philippines.
A new training center
Don Bosco Technical Institute is currently building a new 6,000 square meter training center in Manila. On an area of about 1,500 square meters it will house seminar rooms and training workshops for the PTRCA 2.0 for the brands Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen. With the appropriate equipment the brands also ensure that the young people are instructed in accordance with state-of-the-art technology. In addition, thanks to future cooperation agreed with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, after their final examination they will receive a certificate that can be even better compared with the European qualifications framework.
Liked this post? Follow SwirlingOverCoffee on Facebook.
