Thirty-five Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel successfully completed 8 weeks of intensive training in automotive and carpentry trades; strengthening technical capability within the PNGDF.
Delivered under the PNG-Australia Partnership, through Pacific Australia Skills, this initiative is part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) broader support to strengthen PNGDF capability. The training supports PNGDF personnel to develop skills that meet industry standards and create pathways towards recognised trade qualifications.
Of the 35 graduates, 16 completed Level II Carpentry & Construction, while 19 completed Level I Automotive.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduating cohort and reaffirms the strong and enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, with a shared commitment to advancing skills development in Papua New Guinea.
The event was attended by representatives from both Papua New Guinea and Australia, including PNGDF Chief of Logistics Colonel John Giregire, Australian Defence Adviser Lieutenant Colonel Simone Heyer, and Director of National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB), Mr Brian Clowes.
“This is a great incentive by the Australian Government, through Pacific Australia Skills. Papua New Guinea Defence Force has an ageing force, and we need this training. For the first time, we have these thirty-five soldiers undergoing this initiative. We would like this collaboration to continue so we can build the next generation of skilled workforce that will contribute and serve the force and the country”, said Colonel Giregire.
Throughout the program, the trainees gained practical, and work-ready skills and knowledge, designed to support their roles within the PNGDF. The training was also an opportunity to prepare the trainees for National Trade Testing.
Lance Corporal Eggins Noki, a Level I motor vehicle mechanic graduate shared his experience.
“Through this training, I have gained new ideas, better ways of working, and practical skills that will support me in my daily duties, but importantly, help me grow in my career. I am more confident, and ready for the next step and that is to pass the national trade testing,” he said.
Trade testing provides a recognised pathway for people working in trades in Papua New Guinea to progress through national competency levels and become formally recognised tradespeople.
The trainees will sit their national trade testing levels I Automotive and II Carpentry/Construction with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB).
In Papua New Guinea, Pacific Australia Skills is working in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technologies (DHERST), local stakeholders and technical institutions and industry partners to strengthen skills training across the country.
Since its establishment in 2025, Pacific Australia Skills in PNG has trained more than 700 Papua New Guineans across a range of industries, equipping them with industry-aligned training.
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A group photo of the graduating cohort.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100