“I was very happy to be selected for the PLAR certification program. I was also very surprised at how detailed the test was but felt very good about the instructor’s feedback. I always knew how to do my job, but I am a lot more confident now and I am going to apply to do a course in laser shaft alignment now to become even better in that area. I also recommended the program to some of my colleagues and friends, telling them about the benefits it has in building capacity and growth.”
Sastri Lalla, Mechanical Maintenance Technician, D. Rampersad and Company Ltd.
Photo Credit: Luvo Productions Ltd.
At 25 years, Sastri Lalla would be considered a fledgling, especially in a sector as complex as the energy sector where he is a Mechanical maintenance Technician at D. Rampersad. Any perception of inexperience or a lack of confidence is quickly dispelled after even a brief chat with him.
Sastri was one of the successful candidates from the recent PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment Recognition) programme facilitated by the Energy Chamber and NESC. Like the other candidates who would have participated, Sastri has been competently performing his duties in the maintenance department, utilizing the knowledge and experience which he amassed hands-on, having never been formally taught any of the technical skills needed for the job. When the opportunity to become certified was presented to him, Sastri didn’t hesitate. In explaining why, he shared “When I was given the chance, I thought of my father who worked for many years as a Millwright on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, but who never had any certification; his life and career could have been different if he had this same opportunity.” Not certain of what to expect. Sastri was surprised at the thoroughness of the assessment, which tested all of his key job functions. He was also extremely pleased with the instructor's positive feedback on his performance. The one area which he found to be the greatest challenge has motivated him to enquire about a follow-up course with NESC.
Sastri grew up in Dow Village, so the energy sector was literally at his doorstep, and so it seemed like a natural progression after completing his Secondary school education. Initially hired as a Lorryman, on the days when he didn’t need to be out in the field, he would be assigned to the workshop to assist with small tasks and under the guidance of his experienced and qualified colleagues, he eventually learnt the skills that he is now PLAR certified to perform, including dynamic balancing on rotating equipment to reduce vibration and improving efficiency in equipment like centrifugal pumps, compressors and turbines etc.
Sastri’s drive to learn and explore opportunities for self-improvement is demonstrated even in the activities which occupy his free time, through his hobby of spearfishing. Growing up near to the coastline, Sastri loves the sea and boats; so much so, that he recently enrolled in a course with the Fisheries Division on marine engine repairs.
In delving a bit more into his daily duties, Sastri explained that the workshop environment nurtured his professional growth and development and has enabled him and others to learn and explore different areas of the company’s operations. He emphasized the importance of safety measures on the job explaining that he is a safety ambassador as well as a fire warden, and stressing the importance of housekeeping, the use of personal protective equipment and their regular tool box talks. Sastri, having had the benefit of learning from his seniors, values mentoring younger colleagues and learning from experienced team members like Travis Maharaj.
He feels a strong sense of pride in contributing to the energy sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Having this new qualification has motivated Sastri to continue to grow and develop within the sector and he has explored enrolling in further training, He aspires to one day become a leader in a sector which he as always been surrounded by and felt a deep affinity for.