Welding: My life, my skill, my superpower!

Mr. Kenton Joseph was born and raised in central Trinidad. He describes himself as driven, spiritual and goal-oriented. The third of six children, he realised early in life that hard work was his only way out of his socio-economic bind.

After graduating from secondary school in 2017, he began working in the construction industry, which piqued his initial interest in Welding.

Kenton enrolled in Servol in 2000 to pursue Welding to obtain financial stability. However, during his course of study, his focus and mindset changed, and he bore a thirst for in-depth knowledge of Welding.

Kenton has worked locally, regionally and internationally. He names his two mentors, Mr. Paul M. De Gannes and Mr. Michael A. Campbell, who were both influential in his professional and personal growth and development.

When asked what advice he has for budding welders, Kenton shared a quote from the late Marcus Garvey: "If you haven't self-confidence, you are twice defeated in the race of life."

The National Training Agency (NTA) recognises and applauds Mr. Kenton Joseph as the first Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) candidate to be assessed virtually. Virtual meetings with the candidate during the Covid-19 pandemic produced successful outcomes in the completion of his registration, self-assessment and development of his e-portfolio.

Mr. Joseph was then positioned in Barbados for four (4) months by his employer, Mr. Michael Campbell, Bahamas Project Manager of Phoenix Petroleum Limited, to complete a Welding job containing Heavy Fuel Oil and Diesel Underground Pipelines. The employment of the best use of available technology and the innovative and creative integration of virtual assessment strategies into the PLAR process were the highlights of conducting his assessments to meet his request for certification on time.

Persons desirous of accessing PLAR information can CLICK HERE to visit the TVET Control Centre or contact Mr. Kevin La Fon via email at kevin-lafon@ntatt.org