Training boost for apprentices

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PUMA Energy PNG Limited yesterday saw 43 process operators at its Napanapa Refinery in Port Moresby signing tripartite apprenticeship indenture contracts with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB).
In congratulating the apprentices, Puma Energy country general manager Jim Collins said the event was a special occasion as having 43 apprentices indicated the company’s commitment to developing its people and ensuring a quality and qualified workforce in PNG.
Collins thanked NATTB for working with them on the processes involved in the training scheme.
He added that though still in its infancy, the scheme would never have come to fruition had it not been for NATTB’s guidance.
Collins encouraged the apprentices to persevere through challenges and to be committed to their training and studies as it would be tough for them since the apprenticeship was aimed
at only producing the best of the best. And he hoped that all apprentices would make it through to the end.
NATTB representative Arthur Geno thanked the Puma Energy management and requested that both parties continue their dialogue for more skills training.
He also encouraged apprentices to make good use of the opportunity for their betterment as it was an investment from all three parties involved. Among the apprentices was Marie Malaga, the only female participant.
Malaga was grateful to Puma Energy for giving her the opportunity to receive the training and said that this was a huge achievement for her.
Also echoing Malaga’s sentiments was apprentice Jack Simon who said the event was also a highlight in his career. Simon added that he would do his best in the training as it was an opportunity not to be missed.
The contract signing between Puma Energy, NATTB and the apprentices is a four-year contract which actually started in 2015.
The contract ensures that the apprentices will receive global standard training and attain a globally recognised certificate at the end of the programme in 2018.