Papua New Guinea's Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) graduated 9 Tradesmen under the Competency Based Training program on Friday 21st October at the Dr Weiss Training Centre in Tabubil.
Eight of the graduands have been retained by OTML in various roles throughout the business. Five of them are Heavy Equipment Fitters and 3 are Electricians.
 |
| PNG's OK Tedi Mine Graduates 9 Tradesmen [Photo by OTML] |
Training Officer Allen Felix said, “The Competency Based Training is a National Apprentice and Trade Testing Board program that allows the semi–skilled workforce within the country to be recognised for their skills.”
Mr Felix said “it is an informal pathway to obtaining a trades certificate by way of recognizing the skills of the semi-skilled workforce in the mine’s Preferred Area.
“The CBT program offered by OTML is purposely for the Preferred Area communities only, to assist those who cannot make it through the Company’s Apprenticeship Training Program,” Mr Felix said.
Even though this batch of trainees commenced the program in March 2017 they didn’t complete the program in 2020 as planned due to the onset of Covid-19.
To be certified as a trades person, the trainee’s completed 3 Trade Test Levels competently. Each Level is a pre-requisite of the next, conducted every year during the training.
“In 2018 they sat for their Level 1 trade test and were deemed competent which qualified them to sit for Level 2 in 2019. In June 2022 our CBT’s sat for their Level 2 trade test successfully. This was followed by Level 3 in July 2023,” Mr Felix said.
Manager Organisational & Development Training Ian Strachan commended the graduates for their patience in the past 7 years.
“I can only show my appreciation for your patience. You were all prepared, showing your commitment to the program and for that, congratulations. I’ve got nothing but praise for you,” Mr Strachan said.
“I also would like to thank the hardworking trainers in the O&DT Department, the unsung hero’s for being committed to you and the training you’ve undergone, including the other departments in Ok Tedi for assisting you,” Mr Strachan said.
With Mine Life extended in principle to 2050, OTML will continue to invest in training by creating sustainable career paths and contributing to the development of skills to the local communities and the people of Papua New Guinea..
Statement
Also read