Growing industrial activity on Obi Island has created increasing demand for a wider range of technical skills, including air conditioning (AC) technicians. Through the fifth batch of its Youth Skills and Competency Development Programme (PELITA), Harita Nickel is equipping local young people with industry-relevant competencies to prepare them for employment opportunities or to start their own businesses.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the South Halmahera Regency Government, brought together 16 young participants from villages across Obi Island. Over a 33-day training period, from 29 June to 31 July 2026, they attended a Residential Air Conditioning Technician course at the Ternate Vocational Training and Productivity Centre (BPVP Ternate).
The 33-day programme, held from 29 June to 31 July 2026 at the Ternate Vocational and Productivity Training Centre (BPVP), combined 80% hands-on training with 20% classroom learning. Participants developed competencies in Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE), as well as AC installation, maintenance, and repair in accordance with industry standards. These practical skills will enable graduates to pursue careers as AC technicians or establish their own service businesses.
For participant La Yufri Masira, the programme represents an important step towards a brighter future.
"I hope this training will give me the opportunity to join the company so I can put my new skills into practice. Even if I don't have the opportunity to work for the company, these skills will allow me to start my own AC service business," he said.
Abdul Azis, Head of the Ternate Vocational and Productivity Training Centre (BPVP), said vocational training plays a vital role in preparing a workforce with the skills required by industry.
"Programmes like this equip local communities with the competencies and confidence needed to enter the workforce or develop their own businesses," he said.
Harita Nickel's CSR Program Development and Compliance Manager, M. Yuda Pranata, said the PELITA Programme was created to expand opportunities for young people living around the company's operational areas.
"We hope participants complete the programme not only with strong technical capabilities, but also with the confidence to start their own businesses, respond to local market needs, and even create new employment opportunities within their communities," he said.
Now in its fifth batch, the PELITA Programme has become one of Harita Nickel's flagship vocational initiatives for developing local talent. Since its launch, the programme has trained 120 young people from Obi Island through five vocational training cohorts across disciplines including wheel loader operation, overhead crane operation, Mandarin language, heavy equipment operation, and residential AC technician training.
Through close collaboration with government and vocational training institutions, PELITA equips young people with skills that reflect both industry demand and local economic opportunities. By investing in vocational education and local talent development, Harita Nickel is helping build a skilled workforce that is ready to pursue rewarding careers, embrace entrepreneurship, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Obi Island.