Growth expected

 EXXONMOBIL PNG Ltd expects economic growth generated by the PNG LNG Project to increase employment opportunities in different industries, an official said.

“We expect the economic growth generated by the Project (PNG LNG) will result in increasing employment opportunities in many different industries,” ExxonMobil’s lead media and communications adviser, Rebecca Arnold said.

“The work experience and training that people have received through working on this project will put them in a good position for other employment opportunities,” Arnold said.

Jacob Siviri from Central is among the growing group of PNG LNG Project workers whose dedication to their work has landed them jobs elsewhere. 

After four years at the LNG Plant outside Port Moresby Siviri is off to Angore, in Hela, where he has joined a team constructing a 250-man camp for the project. 

Senior project manager Yow-Yeen Lee said skills development has been a huge focus for the PNG LNG project.

Overall, the company has trained more than 10,000 PNG citizens for construction and operation roles, delivering over two million hours of training in total.

Lee said: “Inevitably, as construction of the project comes to an end, the numbers of people we need declines, but the training we’ve provided means that people have the skills and experience they need to get other jobs. Jacob is a great example of this.”

Siviri’s experience at the LNG plant began in 2010, and he has since worked for a number of LNG plant subcontractors. 

Since starting on the project, Siviri showed interest in developing his skills and, over time, became proficient in operating equipment, including bobcats, excavators and front end loaders.

 Siviri said: “I have learned so much. I’m grateful the project has developed a potential in me that I never thought I had when I was back in the village.” 

 “Although the environment is new, I’m confident that my focus on safety will ensure a smooth and successful three months of work,” he said. 

“My motto has been and continues to be ‘stop, think, identify, plan and proceed’.”