Eighteen local trade trainees have joined the 200‑strong construction team building Lae’s new Main Market, which – with a focus on locally led development – is now 97 per cent Papua New Guinean workforce.
The trainees were welcomed by representatives of the Australian Government and the Lae City Authority. They will gain hands‑on experience while working toward nationally recognised trade qualifications.
Training includes metal fabrication, welding, masonry and block laying, with formal instruction and trade testing delivered alongside daily site work. These skills are being applied directly to the market redevelopment and will support the trainees’ long‑term employment in the construction sector.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment between the Governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand in creating more opportunities for women to excel professionally,” Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus said.
“It supports skills transfer through on-the-job training on important projects like the Lae Market Redevelopment project,” said Calistus.
Nine women are part of the cohort, including four training as excavator and forklift operators, reflecting increasing participation by women in technical and trade roles in Lae.
Metal fabrication and welding trainee Ms Saking John said she was proud to train alongside other women in the program.
“Dispela trening em i givim mipela ol niupela save na skil, na mipela ken yusim taim mipela mekim practical long laiv konstrakesen sait” (The training gives us new skills and techniques that we can quickly use on a live construction site), said Saking.
The Australian‑funded Trade Qualifications Program is strengthening the local workforce through practical on‑the‑job training and skills as part and parcel of infrastructure delivery.
The redevelopment of Lae Main Market is a partnership between the Lae City Authority, the Australian Government and the New Zealand Government.
Once complete, the market will accommodate more than 1,300 vendors, expanding opportunities for farmers, traders and small businesses across Morobe Province.
Quote attributable to Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers
Australia is delivering a high‑quality market that Lae can rely on for generations. Built by Papua New Guineans to high standards and designed for Lae’s conditions, including seismic risk, the new Lae Market is engineered to last. It is a project the city can take pride in. Construction is being led by a local Papua New Guinean firm, with local suppliers and tradespeople on site every day. Alongside the build, young people are gaining certified skills through their participation in the project. Australia is proud to support locally led infrastructure that is high quality, built by and for local people and built to last.
ENDS
Metal fabrication and welding trainee Ms Saking John speaks at the launch of the new Trade Qualifications Program cohort in Lae.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100