ExxonMobil to train more nationals for LNG jobs

OPERATOR of the PNG LNG, ExxonMobil, has announced it is drafting a world-class training curriculum aimed at increasing the supply of trained Papua New Guineans for the construction phase of the multi-billion project.
“We are developing programmes to increase the supply of trained PNG citizen workers for the construction phase while maintaining a safe, efficient, cost-effective operation,” Stuart Symons, senior public and government affairs adviser for PNG LNG, said.
Likewise, ExxonMobil will undertake training with potential operations and maintenance candidates who will later work at the PNG LNG facilities, when operations commence.
The company has already assessed the project’s manpower needs for its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) needs.
ECP contractors will be hired from abroad, but will require local workforce.
It is estimated that during the peak of the construction phase up to 15,000 workers will be required, with 3,000 to 5,000 PNG nationals being hired.
PNG nationals will be employed through local landowner companies throughout the project area and if the landowner firms are unable to meet the demand, workers from other regions will be hired.
“Our task is to provide a pool of workers, trained to internationally- recognised standards, ready for the EPC contractors to draw on when construction begins,” Mr Symons said.
Two construction training centres are being build to accommodate the trainings.
The first is being built at the Port Moresby Technical College and the other at Juni in the Southern Highlands province.
After construction training, ExxonMobil plans to donate these facilities to the PNG Government.
“In the hope they will continue to provide quality training for the community,” he said. 
Mr Symons also added that specialised training programme has been launched for the executives of landowner firms that will provide services to the project.
This training is being provided at the project resource center to be called the enterprise centre.
It is desired that the enterprise centre would be responsible for evaluating landowner firms intending to provide services to the PNG LNG Project.
The idea is to help strengthen the landowner’s business management skills to equip them with skills in contract bidding and other business opportunities.