Bridging education and industry: PTC Masterclass visits West Bay College

PTC Inc., through its Talent Acquisition Group (TAG), recently visited its partner maritime school, West Bay College in Alabang, Muntinlupa, to conduct the highly anticipated PTC Masterclass. The learning session brought together more than 500 cadets and students from the BS Marine Transportation (BSMT), BS Marine Engineering (BSMarE), Hospitality and Tourism, BSBA Marketing Management, and BS Psychology programs for a morning of industry updates, career guidance, and practical insights from PTC’s maritime and cruise industry professionals.

Designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world industry experience, the PTC Masterclass continues to serve as a valuable platform for preparing future maritime and cruise professionals for successful careers in the global workforce.

The program opened with a brief history and introduction of the PTC Masterclass from Benjie M. Bautista, Talent Acquisition Group Manager. “Our goal is to equip students not only with knowledge but also with a better understanding of industry realities and opportunities. Through the PTC Masterclass, we hope to inspire them to pursue maritime careers with confidence, purpose, and excellence.” Benjie shared.

The first session featured Capt. Ronald Enrile, Senior Adviser for the Shipping Cluster, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the latest developments in the maritime industry. He discussed the latest developments shaping the global shipping landscape, including regulatory changes, technological advancements, and emerging trends that future officers and engineers need to understand. His talk provided cadets with a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities awaiting them at sea. “Stay disciplined, keep learning, and never lose sight of your goal. The future belongs to cadets who are prepared to earn their place at sea, especially in these challenging times,” said Capt. Enrile.

C/E Mark Phillip “Chief Makoi” Laurilla, PHILCAMSAT Digital Transformation and Innovation Training Manager, took the stage to discuss Maritime as a Career of Choice. He highlighted the rewards, professional growth, and long-term prospects of a life at sea, encouraging students to view seafaring not merely as a job but as a fulfilling and prestigious career path. One important aspect he discussed was “Good communication is just as important as technical skills at sea. Listen with respect, speak with clarity, and work as one team. A successful seafarer is not only competent but also knows how to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and professions.”

The session concluded with Lyndel Imbang, PTC Cruise Division Crewing Manager, who presented Cruise Industry Outlook and Opportunities. She discussed current industry trends, career pathways, and emerging opportunities for students interested in hospitality and cruise-related professions. “The horizons of the cruise industry are limitless. Bring your passion, commit to excellence, and work hard.” Lyndel added. She ended her presentation with the various career opportunities and what each of them needs to secure to qualify for a spot in the cruise industry.

After the presentations, many cadets and students eagerly raised questions, seeking clarification on career paths, industry expectations, training requirements, and practical tips for success. The speakers patiently addressed each query, fostering a lively and informative exchange that further enriched the learning experience.

Among those present during the two-hour learning session were Miss Pauline Chiongbian, President of West Bay, and Miss Bettina Chiongbian, Vice President for Operations, while Miss Regina C. Poblete, Vice President for Administration and Finance, commended the program’s impact on the participants. “This is a good program, and the cadets and students learned a lot from the updates, practical tips, and real-life experiences shared by the PTC Speakers,” Miss Poblete said.

The successful conduct of the PTC Masterclass at West Bay College once again demonstrated PTC’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the development of competent, industry-ready maritime and cruise professionals. Through meaningful partnerships with educational institutions and initiatives like this, PTC continues to invest in the future of Filipino global maritime professionals while reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

Together, PTC and its partner schools continue to build stronger bridges between education and industry, empowering the next generation to navigate their careers with confidence and purpose.

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