KTL power division celebrates new PICW promotions.

At KTL Power Division, leadership is developed through experience, accountability, and a commitment to safety at every level of operations. The recent promotion of Jhumar Martinez and Michael Praxidio to the role of Person in Charge of Work (PICW) marks an important milestone in their careers and reflects KTL’s continued investment in developing people from within.

Achieving PICW status requires technical competence, demands leadership, sound decision-making, operational awareness, and the ability to maintain the highest safety standards while leading teams in challenging environments.

For both Jhumar and Michael, the journey has been built through years of hands-on field experience, dedication and continuous learning.

Jhumar Martinez: “Safety is always my top priority.”

“I have built my career in overhead line work through hands-on experience in the industry, developing strong technical skills and a deep understanding of safety, construction, and maintenance procedures,” Jhumar explains.

At KTL, his role involves coordinating crews, supporting project delivery, and ensuring work is carried out safely and efficiently across all operations.

“My inspiration to become a PICW came from my desire to take on greater responsibility, improve team safety, and contribute more effectively to project leadership,” he says.

The process of becoming a PICW required extensive training, operational assessments, and a strong personal commitment. “Becoming a PICW required significant commitment, including extensive training, studying operational procedures, completing assessments, and gaining practical field experience.”

Now stepping into a leadership role, Jhumar says the responsibility extends far beyond completing tasks in the field. “Transitioning into the PICW role has shifted my responsibilities from primarily completing tasks to leading teams, overseeing safety, planning work activities, and ensuring operations run efficiently.”

For Jhumar, safety remains the foundation of everything. “Safety is always my top priority. I ensure all procedures are followed, risks are properly assessed, communication is clear, and every team member understands their responsibilities before work begins.”

Reflecting on his journey, he says the experience has strengthened both his confidence and leadership capability. “I have learned that I am capable of handling increased responsibility, making critical decisions under pressure, and leading teams effectively while maintaining high safety standards.”

Michael Praxidio: “Leadership requires patience, accountability, and confidence.”

Michael Praxidio’s journey in the overhead line industry has been shaped through years of experience in installation, maintenance, safety, and operational coordination.

“I have been working in the overhead line industry for several years, and I have gained valuable experience in installation, maintenance, and safety on site,” Michael says.

“My experience has provided me with practical knowledge and the ability to work confidently in challenging environments.”

At KTL, Michael has played a key role in supporting overhead line operations and ensuring projects are delivered safely and efficiently.

Over time, his ambition to progress into leadership inspired him to pursue the PICW pathway.

“I was inspired to become a PICW because I want to advance in my career and take on a leadership role within the industry,” he explains.

“Being responsible for safety and operational success motivated me to achieve this position.”

Michael credits experienced colleagues, trainers, and mentors for helping prepare him for the role. “Their encouragement helped me gain confidence and prepared me for the challenges of leadership.”

Stepping into the PICW position has transformed his day-to-day responsibilities and perspective on leadership. “Now I have greater responsibility for planning, safety, and ensuring that the work is successfully completed.”

For Michael, effective leadership starts with maintaining a strong safety culture on every project.

“I approach safety by making it the foundation of every task, ensuring that all procedures are followed and risks are properly managed.”

The transition has also taught him valuable lessons personally and professionally. “I have learned that leadership requires patience, accountability, and confidence,” he says.

“The experience has helped me grow professionally and strengthened my ability to guide others.”

Investing in the Future of Leadership

The promotion of Jhumar and Michael reflects KTL Power Division’s commitment to developing experienced professionals into strong operational leaders.

Their journeys highlight the importance of mentorship, continuous development, and maintaining safety as the core priority across every stage of overhead line operations.

As both step forward into their new responsibilities as PICWs, they represent the next generation of leadership helping drive KTL projects safely and successfully into the future.