A truck driver for eight years, Eduardo Gomes Cabral was one of over 150 professionals who took the Mobile Unit Manager course at the jobsite of the earthmoving project for the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (Comperj). “The theoretical and practical classes were very helpful, because we learned new things and corrected our mistakes every day,” says Eduardo. Born in Itaboraí, the town where the works are underway, he is experiencing his first job on a major construction project.

The course Eduardo took was designed and implemented by the People and Organization area of Afeq (Functional Equipment Support). “We help the jobsites groom their team members,” says Elson Rangel, Responsible for People and Organization at Afeq.

Afeq provides support for Odebrecht’s Engineering & Construction companies by preparing and carrying out training programs for truck drivers and operators of excavators, loaders and graders, as well as providing equipment maintenance training, among other initiatives.

All told, eight Afeq multipliers are active at Comperj and the Salobo Project in the state of Pará. “These programs have improved the operators’ performance when using new technologies and equipment, thereby contributing to improved performance in terms of productivity and safety,” says Sergio Reis, Responsible for the People Development Program at Afeq.

When it comes to certification programs for members who work with cargo handling (cranes) in Brazil and abroad, Afeq has a team of five substitute operators and a partnership with the Opus Institute. In this case, company members undergo theoretical and practical evaluations using state-of-the-art simulators. When they pass, they receive certification corresponding to the area where they work.

In 2009 alone, 87% of cargo handling operators working in Brazil were certified. Supervisors and auxiliary cargo handling team members also undergo training through educational and certification programs. “Our job is make people aware that reducing risks involves ongoing and intensive efforts,” says Carlos Gabos, Afeq’s Equipment Manager.

Other tools, such as multimedia equipment for self-training and a system for curriculum registration and candidate assessment are under development and will also be used to help projects with the process of selecting, grooming and educating new members.