About the 2025 Apprentice/Trainee Program

The Santos Apprentice Program is a four-year initiative to develop skilled tradespeople for maintenance and production roles. In partnership with Programmed Training Services, apprentices receive structured training and valuable hands-on experience in the oil and gas sector.

Focusing on local talent from Papua New Guinea, Santos offers opportunities in Production, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation Technician roles. Through trade college studies and practical, on-site training, apprentices gain essential skills in a safe, supportive environment, preparing them for impactful careers across Santos' facilities.

2025 Apprentice/Trainee Program Details

Expressions of interest for the following roles:

• Production Technician
• Mechanical Technician
• Electrical Technician
• Instrumentation Technician

To be considered for the 2025 Apprentice/Trainee Program, you must:

• Must be a PNG citizen.
• Must be in your Final Year of Study at a PNG Technical Institution in 2024 in National Certificate 3, Technical Trade Certificate or a Diploma/Degree certification.
• Must have achieved B grades or above in in Year 12 HSC results in the areas of English, Maths with Science being desirable.
• Have a NID card and a current passport or be able to obtain a passport.
• Personal Attributes & Qualities:
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel and Outlook is preferred.
• Able to self-organise with good time management and planning skills.
• Good written & Oral Communication Skills
• Confidence and Decision-making ability
• Must be a Team Player

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Updated CV; detailing qualifications, job experience, and contact details of three most recent referees
• Copy of Grade 12 HSC
• 1 X Character Reference Letter from either a community leader or school administration/lecture

To apply, email your CV and other relevant documentation to apply@pngworkforce.com. Please include the Job ID "#21638" in the email's subject to ensure your application is processed.

More information via this link https://recruitment.santos.com/graduateCareers

• Playing a role in the safe and efficient daily operation and maintenance of the facilities while undergoing training.
• Being an active part of the continuous improvement process for the operation.
• Operating or maintaining in designated areas of the facilities in line with competency program.
• Working within the facility Permit to Work system and other Santos safety systems.
• Perform to high practical and ethical standards required of a world class operation.
• Complete training and assessments as required by NATTB to obtain a trade certificate.

To Be Considered:

Must be in your Final Year of Study at a PNG Technical Institution in 2024 in National Certificate 3, Technical Trade Certificate or a Diploma/Degree certification.

Must have achieved B grades or above in Year 12 HSC results in the areas of English, Maths with Science being desirable.

Must have a NID card and a current passport or be able to obtain a passport.

Personal Attributes & Qualities:

• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel and Outlook.
• Able to self-organize with good time management and planning skills.
• Good written & Oral Communication Skills.
• Confidence and Decision-making ability.
• Must be a Team Player.

Potential Scams

There are a number of fake adverts that are impersonating Santos Limited, in these instances you will receive an e-mail from a generic e-mail address. We do not make offers without interviews or due diligence taking place. You will know if an advert is genuine if you are directed to the Santos company careers page to apply which is https://recruitment.santos.com/

Cummins Apprentice Program 2024 - Expressions of Interest Open

Cummins is now accepting expressions of interest for its 2024 Apprentice Program in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The program provides apprentices with the opportunity to train as Mechanical, Electrical, or Parts Interpreting Technicians in a state-of-the-art learning environment.

What is Cummins Apprentice Program 2024?

Cummins offers a number of benefits to its apprentices, including:

• A nationally recognized trade qualification
• Workshop starter toolkit, company laptop, and full PPE
• All TAFE fees paid for eligible apprentices
• 8 x Cummins Technical product training courses
• Access to a range of employee benefits

To be eligible for the Cummins Apprentice Program, applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled in Year 12, or have completed Year 12 (highly regarded but not essential)
• Have completed a pre-apprenticeship certificate (or expected completion prior to Jan 2024)
• Have relevant work experience or vocational training
• Be a mature-age applicant, female, Indigenous candidate, or person with disabilities (encouraged to apply)
• Have similar industry experience with transferable skills

New updates:  Cummins Apprentice Program 2024

• The commencement date for the 2024 Apprentice Program is February 2024.
• The company is also now accepting expressions of interest for Parts Interpreting apprentices.
• Cummins is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace.

How to apply:

Register your expression of interest today. Once the opportunities are open, Cummins will email you with further information on those apprenticeships that meet your preferences.

To be eligible, applicants will be required to complete and be available for all stages of the recruitment process. This includes an online application, completing online aptitude testing, an interview, a pre-employment medical, and police and background checks.

To apply, please visit the following link:

https://cummins.jobs/virtual-aus/expressions-of-interest-cummins-apprenticeship-program-australia-new-zealand-and-png/117CA4C6CE34468AAB57EAD22491D281/job/

For Graduate Development Programs and Apprenticeship Trainings, click here.

How to Apply for Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training and Graduate Development Program 2024

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) announces the applications for the 2024 Apprenticeship Training and Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) programs around this time of the year. 

This presents a fantastic opportunity for school leavers from universities and technical institutions across Papua New Guinea to embark on a rewarding career path with OTML. 

In this article, we will provide you with valuable information on how to apply for the Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training and Graduate Development Program 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training 2024, applicants must:

- Be a Papua New Guinean citizen.

- Have completed secondary education or equivalent qualifications.

- Meet the specific academic requirements for the chosen trade category.

Available Trade Categories

OTML offers Apprenticeship Training in the following Trade Categories:

- Automotive Electrical

- Cabinet Making & Joinery

- Carpentry Construction

- Electrical Fitting

- Electronic

- Instrumentation

- Heavy Equipment Fitting

- Maintenance Fitting & Machining

- Metal Fabrication & Welding

- Plumbing & Drainage

- Refrigeration & Air Condition

Image: Twitter/PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum


To check out other apprenticeships and training, click here.

How to Apply for Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training

To apply for the Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training 2024, follow these steps:

• a. Visit the official Ok Tedi Mining Limited website at https://oktedi.com/careers/.
• b. Navigate to the "Apprenticeship Training 2024" section.
• c. Download the application form provided.
• d. Fill out the application form accurately and ensure all required documents are attached.
• e. Submit the completed application form and supporting documents through the designated channel, as specified in the application form.

Ok Tedi Mining Graduate Development Scheme

In addition to Apprenticeship Training, OTML also offers the Graduate Development Scheme (GDS). 

Under the GDS, training is provided in the following categories:

- Accounting

- Geology

- Human Resource Management

- Mechanical Engineering

- Environmental Sciences

- Electrical & Communication Engineering

- Geotechnical Engineering

- ICT

- Mineral Processing Engineering

- Surveying

Visit the official Ok Tedi Mining Limited website at https://oktedi.com/careers/ for more information.

Click here to find out about other Graduate Development programs in PNG.

Important Dates

From the past announcements, the applications for the Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training close in late November. 

Therefore, it is essential to look out for an announcement about the Ok Tedi Apprenticeship Training and Graduate Development Program 2024 application form and submit your application before the deadline.

Equal Opportunity

OTML strongly encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including female Papua New Guineans. 

The company aims to increase the representation of women in its workforce from the current 11 percent to 20 percent by 2025.

Final words...

Embarking on an apprenticeship with Ok Tedi Mining Limited can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career. 

With the 2024 Apprenticeship Training and Graduate Development Scheme programs every year, interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official website and find out about how to submit their applications before the closing date.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Apply For Coca-Cola Amatil PNG Apprenticeship Program 2023

Coca-Cola PNG is committed to equipping their workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to be productive and capable of meeting industrial expectations. As a result, they have implemented an apprenticeship program under the Papua New Guinea National Apprenticeship Trade & Testing Board (NATTB). 

Coca-Cola Amatil PNG Apprenticeship Program 

The Coca-Cola PNG Apprenticeship Program offers training in the following trade categories:

• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, 
• Auto Electrical, and 
• Maintenance and 
• Fitting & Machining. 

The program runs for a duration of four years and includes block courses and on-the-job training aligned with the NATTB training structure. 

Skills development in PNG

The apprenticeship program is aimed at developing the skills of the workforce and fostering participation in the economic and social development of Papua New Guinea. 

The program is a great opportunity for individuals who want to gain valuable experience in the trades while receiving formal training and education.

Find out how to apply for Coca-Cola PNG Graduate Development Program, click here

Coca-Cola Amatil PNG Apprenticeship Program Eligibility

To be eligible for the Coca-Cola PNG Apprenticeship Program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

1. Be a Papua New Guinea citizen or have legal residency in PNG

2. Have completed Grade 10 or higher

3. Be physically fit and able to work in the relevant trade

4. Have a keen interest in the relevant trade

5. Be willing to commit to the full four-year apprenticeship program

How to apply

The application process involves submitting an application form, a cover letter, and a resume. 

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview and may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.

During the program, apprentices will receive hands-on training from experienced tradespeople. Also. apprentices will attend classroom instruction in technical skills, theory, and safety practices. 

They will also be expected to meet performance and attendance standards, as well as maintain good conduct throughout the program.

National Apprenticeship Trade & Testing Board (NATTB) Trade Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will receive a trade certificate recognized by the National Apprenticeship Trade & Testing Board (NATTB). This certificate will enable graduates to work in the relevant trade throughout Papua New Guinea.

Final thought...

The Coca-Cola PNG Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to gain valuable experience in the trades while receiving formal training and education. 

The program is aimed at developing the skills of the workforce and fostering participation in the economic and social development of Papua New Guinea. 

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to the full four-year apprenticeship program should apply to take advantage of this opportunity.

Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School Application info

Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School is a certified Aviation Training Organisation in Papua New Guinea. It provides standardised aircraft maintenance engineering training in the country.

The school achieved its registration and certification from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) on the 9th of February 2022

Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School Application Form

Download the application form PDF

This application is only for Non-School Leavers. Current Grade 12 students will apply through the School Leavers Form and will come through the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST). 

The school will take only 40 Non-School Leavers in this application. The next 40 spaces are offered to School Leavers who will be graduating with Grade 12 Certificates.

What are some requirements?

we are basically getting Grade 12 certificate holders in both Science and Social Science streams and providing them with aircraft maintenance engineering knowledge so they can pass the licensing process here in PNG.

The GPA for Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School for 2022 was 2.0. 

The school fee is K20,000 for boarding students and K17,200 for day students.

Application Checklist

• 1. Download and fill out all information requested in this application form. Only skip sections that are not applicable to you. 
• 2. Attach a clear passport-size photo in the box labelled ID Photo in SECTION 1. 
• 3. Write your names in their correct order and must be spelt correctly. Your first name is the name you go by, and your surname is your family name. The school will address you by your first name and surname only. 
• 4. Attach a certified copy of your Grade 12 Certificate when submitting your application. No Grade 12 certificate disqualifies your application. Additional certificates are accepted where needed.
• 5. All your names should correspond with the names on the Grade 12 Certificate. 
• 6. Current Grade 12 students will apply through the School Leaver’s Form selection process that will be facilitated by the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST).
• 7. Medical Certificates are only required if you have a medical issue that you wish the school should know when processing your application. No medical certificate will mean you are well and healthy.
• 8. All applications should be submitted via email or hand delivered to the school reception desk before 3:00pm working days during the application period. The email address to submit your application form is aiyuraames@gmail.com. 
• 9. ORIGINALS of your application forms will be collected on registration day along with your school fee receipts and Grade 12 Certificates for proof if your application is successful. Do not discard the application form once you have submitted it. 

Contact

Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School 

P.O.Box 450, 

UKARUMPA, Kainantu, 

E.H.P, 

Papua New Guinea

Ph: +675 7271 0572

Email: aiyuraames@gmail.com (note that they are using Gmail)

A Year In Review: Education and Politics in Papua New Guinea

Every year has been a challenging year for our country, both in education and politics. The political policies on education and how the government is 'setting the course' for the future of young men and women is one area of concern.

The O'Neill-Dion led government's efforts to improve education was, in fact, promoted by the tuition fee free (TFF) policy. Perhaps many people have seen it to be of 'some' double standard. On one hand is aimed to skew parents opinions. On the other, meet the millennium development goals (MDGs). 

The balance between a good government policy on education and one of preserving the interest of government of the day can only determined by the results. 

The government and education leaders should be commended for 'a few' good work they have done in 2015. But, they must be reminded that what they are doing must for the best interest of the country - young people first. 

The new year must bring blessing to our people. This can happen through a good education system, which is the one thing that matters the most. Many parents will agree that not just mass education, but a proper education is the best thing for their children.

A proper education can only be a proper education WHEN policy makers, including well-off parents, START sending their children to a - any - public school in the country. Also, an education system that outsiders would be tempted to send their kids to. This should happen sooner rather than later in our public schools.

One area needed much attention is vocational and technical training colleges. Strengthening manpower and infrastructure development at universities, vocational centres, technical colleges, institutes, seminaries and other  colleges  has to  come first. Focusing on Grades 8, 10 and 12 drop-outs was second to increasing retentions of students at primary and secondary schools this year. This must reverse to cater for the large number of students passing out.

One positive the country can take from here is the implementation the 12/13 recommendations of Ganim's report. Despite government accepting the recommendations in principle, there is more needed to be done in areas of teachers' appointment, salary, leave fares, retrenchment and other benefits. Government must remain true to its promise of funding to make the recommendations of the report come to fruition. 

It is time to leave politics out of education. K605 million allocation for the TFF has not been paid in full to schools. The government paid TFF money in quarterly instalments. TFF funds must be paid in wholesome rather than in parts so that school can continue without the need to remind government to pay up. Last quarter of 2015 - the last payment - was not done on time. 

Some schools prematurely closed for 2015 Christmas holiday, like Lae Secondary School. This must not happen in 2016.

I'll end here by summering the five changes that have been happening (planned to have happened) this year:

1) Policy change - Ganim report and its 12/13 recommendations have been accepted by NEC. Funds promised (and budgeted, if any)  must be released for this to happen. 

2) Curriculum Change - Standard Based Education replaced the controversial outcome based curriculum - change that came after the controversial OB curriculum (1993). A welcome change, but more awareness is required to freshen teachers' skills and ability to deliver revised Standard Based Curriculum. 

3) Structural Change (2-6-6) - this change was hinted to have taken effect in 2016. This change is not necessary, if it goes ahead. It would only complicate the whole system. We are likely to see secondary schools taking in grades 7 and 8.

4)  Phasing-out examinations at grade 8 and grade 10. Again, this change ( if it happens) is unnecessary. The education department would do well if it strengthens the examination processes. Reconsiders function of Measurement Service Division (MSD). Makes examinations at grade 8, 10 and 12  tough and secure. It is better to play it safe then taking a risk. Phasing-out exam is highly risky. There is no proof that letting students through without examinations is a better change.

5) Restructuring school of excellence (the national high schools). There is no clear plan. Little is known about what to do with the national high schools at this stage.

My one wish for next year (as far as educating young people is concerned) is to see the government giving prominence to developing vocational training and technical education, as well as other colleges and institutes in the country. It is time to FOCUS on Grades 8, 10 and 12 school leavers, time to give them a second chance. 

INSPIRED: Story of a young University student who became a truck driver

Updated 23rd December 2018

This story cuts through the topics I've been contemplating lately, apprenticeship and seeking for jobs in PNG. The story of a first year university student who left his accounting studies because he cannot afford the tuition fees.

Trained by a woman truck driver to be a truckie and find job in PNG trucking industry. I liked the story.

If only we could have a wide range of second chances like this, available to many young Papua New Guineans who are leaving school at Grades 8, 10 and 12.

Here is the story as seen on the Facebook group Humans of Papua New Guinea.

“I went to university to study accounting but ended up becoming a truck driver instead.”“How did that happen?”“After...

Posted by Humans of Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, 15 December 2015

PNG needs a good numbers of readies and truckies in the PNG Job seeking area. Many well trained skill Papua New Guineans are in the mining and oil and gas sectors at present. But the country also need a good number of skill people in other areas.

Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students in Papua New Guinea Access vs Retention

Grades 8, 10 and 12 students are on a long Christmas Holiday - three months of rest and respite. Some are heading back to the villages, others to towns and cities - but will there be opportunities in the Apprenticeship and Vocational Training sectors for Grades 8, 10 and 12 students in Papua New Guinea?

Whilst the Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students are enjoying their vocations, they are sure to ask two important questions: 

How have I performed in the national examinations?;  and 

Will I be selected to continue to the next level?

PNG Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students Performance in Examinations

The first question can only be ascertained by each student depending on how good they were leading up to the exams. 

Students' performance in exams can be attributed to several factors such as how well they prepared (were prepared) for the exams as well as Nature and Nurture. 

May the best students be given one of the limited places they rightfully deserve.

This brings me to the second question.

Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students Selections 2023

Based on the proportion of tertiary places available this year and the preceding years,  96% of Grades 8, 92% of Grade 10 and 81% of Grade 12 students will NOT make it to a tertiary institution this year. 

By this, I mean only a select few will end up in universities, colleges, vocational centres and other higher learning set-ups. 

Those fortunate enough to continue should be congratulated. 

They have earned the right to proceed. They passed exams - they can enjoy the privileges (pride) and challenges higher educational institutions bring. 

And deservedly, they should hold their heads up and be proud to continue.

High number of Grades 8, 10 and 12 Students pass out

What about the bulk of students who would not have continued? What will they do? 

It saddened me to think that in the first year of formal education, little or nothing is available to those students. 

What can be done now to take them on board the education train?

It is imperative to note that the planned phasing out of examinations at Grades 8 and 10 will NOT improve the number of students entering tertiary institutions. 

It will further decrease the university access rate (ACCESS), but only maintain the number passing through from Grades 8 to 10 to 12 (RETENTION). 

PNG Grades 8, 10 and 12 stats

In 2015, over 120, 000 grade 8 students sat exams. This number as a percentage of 4500 spaces (at tertiary institutions) is 96%. 

In fact, if the government phases out Grades 8 and 10 examinations, about 120,000 to 150,000 students are likely to end up completing Grade 12. 

The problem of retention is addressed, but the problem of access to higher education is not solved. It remains the same. 

Phasing out Grades 8, 10 and 12 Exams

Other factors needed thorough consideration before exams are phased out are the availability of resources, the number of teachers as well as primary and secondary schools' capacity to hold larger student populations. 

This exercise, if goes ahead, will put a huge strain on schools' ability to function.

It was good news to have heard that the Minister of higher education has given out cheques to several universities in the country to expand their capacities. This shows that there is likely to be an increase in spaces at tertiary institutions. 

But, what is the projection - what number are we talking about in 5 - 10 years' time? 

A mere 20,000 spaces would not be enough to suffice the appetite for higher education. 

Technical and vocational schools way forward

For the sake of reasoning,  if we put an estimate that in the next 5 years 150,000 grade 12 students will vie for a tertiary institution space. 

The spaces increased (from the current 4500) to 10, 000 (then to 20,000 in 2023. 

For it to work, the government needs to improve the university/higher education access rate to over 50% of Grade 12 graduating population. The fact now is that this change will make NO difference as far as access is concerned. 

Papua New Guinea will STILL have a Grade 12 drop-put rate of over 90% in the next 5 to 10 years with this change- the same as today! 

Still, there won't be enough university and college spaces to take in the high number of students. That is why there is a NEED to seriously increase the spaces are technical and vocational schools

Exams are the corner-stone of PNG education system

So the public statements about phasing out examination have to be backed by some foresight. By this, I do not mean make examinations history - no. 

The public examination system has to be strengthened - made rigorous. Address the problem of cheating. Empower Measurement Service Division. Or, come up with alternative measures to overhaul and make examination processes tough - challenging. 

The question of catering for those who are dropping out of the formal education system can be addressed by focussing on Internships, apprenticeship schemes and vocational training. 

Meanwhile, here is what I've posted nearly 10 years (2015) ago on the Key To Addressing Skill Shortage and Grades 8, 10 and 12 Pass-outs. 

Upskill Grades 8, 10 and 12 Dropouts: Apprenticeship Training in PNG 2024

The recent opposition statement about developing a skilled workforce in Papua New Guinea is a timely one, given that over 80% of Grade 12 students are unable to secure a place in tertiary institutions.

The opposition prior to the 2022 national election planned to invest K3.7 billion in skill development, with a focus on apprenticeship programs. This would be a welcome move, as apprenticeship schemes are the best way for students to learn from experts and gain practical experience.

Unfortunately, this is all a talk and no action has taken place.

Click here to find out more about the latest Apprenticeship Schemes and Graduate Development Programs in PNG.

Apprenticeship Scheme for Dropouts 

There are a number of ways that the government could create incentives for companies to take on apprentices. For example, the government could provide subsidies to companies that hire apprentices, or offer tax breaks. The government could also work with companies to develop apprenticeship programs that are tailored to the needs of the industry.

An apprenticeship scheme for dropouts would be a particularly valuable initiative. Many dropouts have the potential to be skilled workers, but they lack the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential. An apprenticeship scheme would give dropouts the chance to learn a trade and earn a good living.

PNG Government-Private Partnership - Apprenticeship Training in PNG 2024

Any government-private partnership that aims to develop skills in those age groups would be a step in the right direction. The opposition's plan is a good starting point, and the government should work with the private sector to develop a workable platform for companies to take on dropouts.

The opposition's plan to develop skills in PNG is a welcome one. By investing in apprenticeship programs and creating incentives for companies to take on apprentices, the government can help to create a more skilled workforce and provide opportunities for dropouts.

You can find out about the SANTOS Apprenticeship Scheme here.