The Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (FATEK UMSU) organized training and facilitated the certification competency test for vocational construction workers in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, along with BJKW 1 Banda Aceh. The event occurred on Monday (June 19) at UMSU, on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
According to the report from the Chairman of the Committee, Irma Suryani, S.E, this activity was conducted based on Law No. 2 of 2017 concerning construction services and spanned two days, from Monday to Tuesday (June 19-20). 140 UMSU and Medan Polytechnic students attended it to enhance and produce productive and competent human resources in the construction field.
The event was inaugurated by UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, who was represented by WR 1 UMSU, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin Gultom, M.Hum. He emphasized that this competency certification test was not just a mere certification but an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and knowledge so that the certification they receive aligns with their implemented skills.
“Our speakers today are experts in their respective fields, so make the most of this opportunity. Show your knowledge to pass the certification test,” WR 1 UMSU advised.
Prof. Arifin explained that this certification is at Level 3. After students graduate and gain two years of work experience in the construction field, they can take the Level 7 competency test. He hoped that the event would run smoothly over the course of two days.
“This competency test covers at least three areas: knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, attitude,” said Prof. Arifin.
Furthermore, in his speech, the Head of Construction Services for the Banda Aceh region (BJKW I), Indra Suhada, S.T., M.T, stated that the continuous improvement of human resources skills in the construction services field is crucial through certification and competency tests. This ensures that the produced human resources are productive, competent, and possess good character and morals, which are common challenges and responsibilities.
“No matter how advanced the technology may be, in the end, competency and the quality of human resources are crucial. Moreover, the construction job opportunities, particularly in North Sumatra, are quite significant, which requires skilled workers,” said Indra. He expressed his hope that all participants could pass the competency test and obtain a competency certificate as a preparation to face the working world. The training was then continued by Krisna Adihimawan, S.E., from the Sub-Directorate of Construction Security and Safety, who delivered a presentation on construction regulations.
The event was attended by Afriandi Pohan, S.T., M.T, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Construction Security and Safety at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Indra Suhada, S.T., M.T, Head of the Banda Aceh Region 1 Construction Services Office, along with their respective teams, and Krisna Adihimawan, S.E., from the Sub-Directorate of Construction Security and Safety. Also present were the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Munawar Alfasnury Siregar, S.T., M.T, along with the Vice Deans, Chairman of the Activity Committee, Irma Suryani, S.E, and 140 participants of the Competency Certification Test.
