47 port workers from Ultraport Coquimbo received a certification in labor competencies at a ceremony held at Terminal Puerto Coquimbo (TPC). This achievement was part of a process developed by Chile Valora and MG Certifica.
The program formally accredited different functions related to maritime transport across seven profiles: front loader operator, port supervisor, terminal tractor operator, forklift operator, port foreman, multi-purpose mobile crane operator, and container crane operator.
The Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of Labor and Social Security, Montserrat Castro, stated that “the recognition of work experience by Chile Valora is a very important step for port workers. But they are not the only ones who benefit; the region also wins, because the more certified workers we have, their experience will be valued in other ports and in different places.”
Pablo Bugueño, manager of Ultraport Coquimbo, affirmed that “today the certification program serves to validate a step in the workers’ professional experience, something very valuable in their professional development and for us, the consolidation of important aspects in working with people in the operation of TPC.”
The president of the Confederation of Port Workers of Chile (Cotraporchi), Sergio Baeza, expressed that “I am proud to see how the certification of competencies at Ultraport recognizes the trade and experience of our port workers. This not only strengthens their professional position but also raises the standard of port activity throughout the country. We will continue to promote that every worker can reach their maximum potential and be fairly valued.”
Felipe Videla, one of the certified workers, commented that “like my colleagues, I believe this instance is a valuable opportunity for professional growth. It allows us to take on tasks in the port sector, which represents a great pride and a boost to continue developing ourselves. I deeply thank Chile Valora and Ultraport for opening this space for us and trusting in our potential.”
Laura Chiuminatto, general manager of Terminal Puerto Coquimbo, stated that “the regional economy relies on sectors such as mining, agriculture, fishing, and tourism, where the Port plays a key role in the logistics chains. In this scenario, having highly trained workers prepared to handle different types of cargo with professionalism is essential to respond to the diversity of activities that drive the area.”
“As TPC, we feel a deep pride for the port workers, because this competency certification process not only recognizes their trade and experience but also reaffirms the value they contribute day by day to the development of the region,” Laura added.
For his part, Francisco Godoy, manager of People and Organizational Development at Ultraport, said that “we at Ultraport have always had the vision of being able to develop the work and competencies of each of the workers. This year we have certified more than 600 workers nationwide. We believe in development, we believe that port work has become more technical over the last 15 years and this marks that our industry is becoming professionalized.”
It is worth noting that, in addition to this instance in Coquimbo, Ultraport together with MG Certifica and Chile Valora recently certified more than 120 workers from the Arica branch and 130 from the Mejillones offices.
