Better, Cheaper, Faster Port Operations
The World Bank estimates that the global value of infrastructure investments over the next 10 years to be $8.5 trillion. The Asian Development Bank states that this figure should be $17 trillion for Asia alone. And these figures exclude Real Estate investments. Consider this. How many trucks, cranes and general handling and construction equipment are needed to pull this off? And how many skilled operators will that mean?
Learning is no longer just about letters after your name, it is also all about effective and efficient use of all types of equipment. These assets do not come cheap. A ship to shore crane can cost $5 to $9 million and some of the new recruits have never seen a container let alone a computer screen.
As assets become more complex, skilled labour is increasingly about communication skills, literacy and numeracy. Few countries have met this challenge and wages are starting to climb for all types of skill. One European port has just lost a contract with an International container carrier due to persistent shortages of labour to load and unload the ships.
Improvisation is no longer the way to train staff! AKT is designed to meet this challenge with a specialist campus housing all types of equipment related training. AKT offers:
- Equipment Based Training (EBT): This is the training of novices and experienced operatives to a recognised certified standard of performance. Equipment includes Cranes; Heavy Goods Vehicles; Fork Lifts; Access Platforms; and general Construction site equipment.
- Simulator Assisted Training (SAT): Assets on Drilling Rigs and Port operations have become increasingly expensive and training opportunities limited and increasingly risky. The SAT uses sophisticated simulator equipment to provide a theoretical introduction and extensive simulation of work based experience. Software is now available that can reproduce exactly specific Port environments and the same with the equipment itself. All types of weather conditions can be simulated and accident and emergencies fully explored without incurring the risk and the cost.
- Health & Safety: Health & Safety at work has had enormous regulatory impetus in the UK and, the impact upon enhanced productivity and reduced accidents at work have been well documented. This successful approach has significant potential overseas and this training concept will target these markets. Indoor facilities will be required for this training.
- Pre-selection Service: Increased demand is not met easily and many local areas are incapable of providing their own labour supply. The asset value is climbing (STS: $5 to $9 M purchase price and, life time value much higher). AKT see this as an opportunity.
