Oala wins apprentice awards

Business

OK Tedi Mining Limited final-year instrumentation apprentice Vagi Oala is the winner of 2016 PNG Apprentice of the Year Award.
Oala, 25, from Pari village in Central, was also OTML’s Apprentice of the Year after his project “Automatic metal extraction process on conveyors” was judged the best.
His project was picked to represent OTML at the 2016 National Apprentice Trade Testing Board.
OTML managing director and chief executive officer Peter Graham said OTML did not participate in the competition last year because of the suspension of operations.
“This is a blessing in disguise that Oala has won the award as it reflects OTML’s strong commitment to support and train young Papua New Guineans in industrial trades,” he said.
“This is a significant achievement for Oala as well as for OTML.”
Other companies which fielded their apprentices were Ela Motors, UMW, Hastings Deering, Ramu Agro-Industries, Oil Search, Newcrest Mining Limited and Fubulian Catering Services –  an Ok Tedi landowner company.
Oala also received the 2016 National Apprentice Trade Testing Board chairman’s award and 2016 Best Tradesperson of the Year award.
Reirei Yari, a final year Business Studies trainee with OTML’s human resource department, received the second runner-up NATTB candidate of the Year award.
Yari, 24, from Buseki village in Lake Murray, Western, said it was an honour to represent OTML at the awards.
Musje Werror, OTML deputy CEO and general manager employee and external relations, said the last eight months had been a challenge for OTML as it tried to get back to normal operations after the long shutdown. He said to have one of the company’s apprentice get the top award was a remarkable achievement.
“It will definitely go down as one of the highlights in 2016 for the company,” he said.
“It will strengthen our commitment to train nationals and contribute towards Papua New Guinea’s human resource development.”