Papua New Guinea's OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kiunga Technical Vocational Training Centre to train and develop tradesmen.
Under the agreement, which was signed through OTML’s major project business unit, six students – three male and three female – studying different trades will be selected annually to join the programme over the next three years.
In recognition of the agreement, Kiunga Tvet centre manager Helen Dupnai said: “This partnership adds significant value to what the students are learning here and this will provide them the opportunity to gain valuable experience and increase their chances of employment not only at Ok Tedi but elsewhere.”
While the intention of the programme is to build local capacity and human resource, and provide a career pathway, Dupnai said the miner had created an avenue for the students to attain on-the-job training.
OTML general manager for major projects, Mark Thompson, said although it was a small initiative, he hoped the arrangement would have a great impact in the future.
“Our mandate is for us to leave behind a positive legacy,” he said.
“The implementation of a formal training, development and up-skilling programme is included as part of the major projects execution scope which is important.”
The National / Pacific Mining News