Through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership, Australia is promoting localisation by engaging local service providers and technical experts, as well as supporting skills development and meaningful work opportunities.
Ten final-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students from Port Moresby Technical College (POMTECH) are shaping their futures at Vesulogo Primary School, Sogeri.
As part of their study program requirements, the students joined the construction team building new facilities at Vesulogo Primary School in Sogeri, Central Province funded by Australia’s Kokoda Initiative Partnership.
Local construction firm LNM Building and Construction engaged ten students for a three-week apprenticeship at the site.
Building Manager Michaeline Pondros expressed her commitment to supporting the students in meeting their training requirements.
“They have specific hours to complete before graduation, and on-the-job training is where they demonstrate how they apply what they learn," she said.
The construction of the new school buildings has supported the local economy by engaging local constructors and suppliers, employing local labour, and enabling the students to meet their academic requirements.
Ms Dambe Dulunga and Ms Ovin Waima, the two female students specialising in carpentry and plumbing, said that being the only women on site motivated them to succeed.
“This trade is dominated by men, but that has not discouraged me from working with them,” said Ms Dulunga.
“I helped with mixing of concrete, raising cement posts, and I even did some welding. I enjoyed working with the team and I’ve really gained a lot of experience,” said Ms Waima.
Following the successful completion of the three-week placement, all 10 students performed so well that they have been employed by the company as trade assistants.
This initiative provided students with essential hands-on training opportunities and demonstrates Australia’s continued support for building the capacity of young Papua New Guinean men and women through quality skills training.
Australia’s support aligns with Papua New Guinea’s Vision 2050, recognising skills, training and employment are central to Papua New Guinea’s development, and gives effect to our shared commitments under the Joint Statement of Intent on TVET renewed in 2024.
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Four of the 10 POMTECH students pictured nearing the end of construction of the double classroom.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100