In a statement sent to VerAngola, LAR says that it "continues to focus on strengthening its teams and providing specialized training for its workers to keep up with the operational growth expected for 2025", and is thus "developing a vast recruitment and professional training program, thus contributing to a significant increase in efficiency and safety in the railway sector in Angola".
In this sense, training for train drivers and conductors is being carried out in the province of Huambo.
"At the Huambo Training Centre, train drivers and drivers are being qualified through a programme structured in three phases: the first phase, consisting of 36 trainees (18+18), has already been completed, with the trainees in the process of being certified by ANTT; the second phase, also with 34 trainees, is underway; the third phase, with a further 36 professionals, will begin in July 2025", explains the company, which informs that, in total, the aforementioned programme will enable the training of 106 new professionals.
The company also has training taking place in the province of Benguela. "At the same time, in Lobito, training for needle workers and factors is taking place, with the first phase already underway, involving 36 trainees (18+18)," reads the note, which adds that two more phases are planned for this year, totaling 216 new professionals recruited and trained.
"In addition, LAR will begin training professionals at the Railway Operational Control Center, in a program that will take place between March and June 2025", says the company, which informs that "six Command and Circulation Inspectors will also be recruited and trained".
With this reinforcement, the company expects to close this year with "a total of 1013 employees, representing a significant increase in relation to the current 779 workers".
"The forecast points to a tripling of current volumes by the end of 2025, an essential milestone to keep up with the accelerated growth in circulation and the volume of goods transported. This significant expansion will only be possible thanks to a large investment in expanding the fleet, which includes the incorporation of new wagons, locomotives and containers, ensuring greater capacity and operational efficiency. This advance reflects a strategic effort to meet growing demands and strengthen the transport infrastructure, ensuring that the system is prepared to support the future flow of goods", the note also says.
According to LAR CEO, Francisco Franca, the company's commitment involves efficiency, safety and employee training.
"Our commitment is to the efficiency, safety and training of our workers, essential elements for the success and sustained growth of the company. This investment in training and recruitment reflects our dedication to economic development and the modernization of the railway sector in Angola," he said.
