Australia is working with the Papua New Guinea Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) to improve its systems and build up the future of the country`s road engineers.
DoWH has launched its Five-Year Training Plan (2025-2029) and Graduate Development Program, supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, to strengthen its workforce and develop 20 graduate engineers.
With technical support from Australia, DoWH identified priority skills gaps to shape the Five-Year Training Plan, a long-term approach to developing the people who plan, manage and deliver road infrastructure.
The Graduate Development Program will recruit and develop up to 20 graduate engineers per cohort beginning in 2027, through structured training, mentoring and 24 months of practical workplace experience.
DoWH has also launched the program's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual, giving graduates a clear pathway towards becoming registered engineering professionals.
Ms Sophie Ere, now Principal Engineer Roads for the Highlands Region, knows what that pathway is worth.
She joined the program in 2020 and was mentored by Leka Bonoro, Assistant Secretary of the Materials Science and Technology Branch. In August 2023, Ms Ere was part of the first cohort to graduate in over 20 years.
"I didn't have a Training Plan or a GDP Manual. I had a good mentor who showed me the way," Ms Ere said. "A documented pathway makes all the difference. It tells you exactly what skills and milestones you need, instead of learning by trial and error."
Her advice for graduates starting next year: rotate through different sections, understand the department's full scope of work and find a mentor early.
Secretary for Works and Highways Mr Gibson Holemba said Ms Ere’s journey confirmed that investing in people delivers lasting infrastructure outcomes.
"Our road network is only as strong as the people responsible for planning, designing, building and maintaining it," Mr Holemba said.
"Sophie shows exactly what this program can do. With the Training Plan and the SOP Manual now in place, the graduates who follow her will have the pathway she didn't."
Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers said Ms Ere’s story showed what long-term investment in people can achieve.
"Roads and bridges create opportunities for communities, but they rely on skilled people like Sophie to keep them safe and serviceable for years to come," Dr Rogers said.
"Australia is proud to support the PNG Government's commitment to building local capability like Sophie’s and others who follow in her footsteps."
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Department of Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba and Australian High Commission representative Richelle Turner officially launching the programs at the ceremony.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100