Knauf Opens First Gypsum Board Training Center in the Philippines

Knauf Opens First Gypsum Board Training Center in the Philippines

Knauf Gypsum Philippines, a leading manufacturer of gypsum boards and jointing compounds in the country, opened recently the first gypsum board training center in the country.

To be known as the “Knauf Academy,” the facility is envisioned to fill the gap with regard to the demand for more skilled workers in the Philippine construction industry.

Mark Sergio, Knauf Philippines Managing Director, said the academy’s opening is a big milestone for Knauf in the Philippines, being the first gypsum board training center in the country and Knauf is very proud of that.

Also, he said the other part of the objective is to be able to help improve the employability of Filipino skilled workers in the construction industry, particularly on gypsum board installation. “Most of our installers in the Philippines actually learned the trade on the job, and they later became foremen themselves and eventually owners of their own small contracting businesses. We want to make sure that we improve their livelihood as well,” Sergio added.

The Knauf Academy, which can accommodate a maximum of 18 participants, occupies two floors with three main areas: a room at the second floor complete with a classroom setup where trainees learn the theoretical side of gypsum and other standard drywall and ceiling installation techniques; the reception and showroom area at the first floor, complete with a small snack bar where trainees can lounge around during breaks; and finally the Workshop area, also located at the first floor, where trainees can apply what they learned in theory into actual use through the various mock dry wall installations and where their capabilities will be assessed.