The Penang Water Services Academy (PWSA) was jointly founded by PBA Resources Sdn Bhd (PBAR) and the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in December 2007.
Drawing on the PBA Group’s experience and expertise, the PWSA promotes and provides industry-relevant education and training programmes to build a knowledgeable and capable water supply workforce for today and tomorrow.
PWSA offers a Certificate in Water Supply Management (CWSM) programme for water supply professionals that incorporates four comprehensive modules.
All CWSM programmes are conducted by qualified PBAPP trainers, the majority of whom are water supply engineers with more than 20 years of experience. PWSA has also customised CWSM modules to meet the needs of specific organisations, be it in terms of specialisation or modular participation, for both Malaysian and international trainee groups.
In the period 2014-2016, the PWSA will serve as the training centre for the JICA Partnership Programme on “NRW Reduction Training and Capacity Building in Malaysia”.
On 1 November 2013, the academy was officially certified as an ‘Authorised Training Provider’ by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). With this certification, PWSA is now authorised to offer the following nationally accredited courses: Water Distribution Competency Course (WDCC) Levels 1 and 2, and Water Treatment Competency Course (WTCC) Levels 1 and 2.
As at 2013, the academy’s clients include PBAPP, the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA), Gamuda Water, Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor (SPLASH), Lembaga Air Perak (LAP), Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) and Metropolitan Utilities Coporation, as well as two state regulatory bodies – Badan Kawal Selia Air Johor and Badan Kawal Selia Air Pulau Pinang.
At the same time, the PWSA also conducts Malaysian Skills Certification (SKM – Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia) programmes based on the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) set by the Malaysian Government.
Candidates for SKM courses, mainly school-leavers, are assessed for entry into full or part-time courses that match their pre-qualifications. Upon successful completion of courses, candidates will receive SKM certification (Level 1, 2 or 3) from Malaysia’s Skills Development Department (JPK – Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran).