Institute to train Gulf locals in trades for LNG project

By ALISON ANIS
THE Department of Works human resource development (HRD) branch has signed a memorandum of agreement with Saipem Asia PNG branch for the employment and training of 40 people from the LNG-affected areas in Gulf.
Saipem Asia PNG branch is part of Eni Saipem Group which is one of the world’s leading companies in providing services to the oil and gas sector, mainly off shore engineering and construction. Saipem is in charge of the off shore pipeline (engineering, procurement and construction) along the Gulf of Papua. This covers areas from Caution Bay to Omati River.
The agreement signed yesterday between the department’s assistant secretary for HRD Alex Gebia and deputy secretary for shared services John Ame, and Saipem’s HR Asia-Pacific area director Marco Cruccas and HR, social affairs and security manager Gueguen Tanguy will provide young people from the LNG communities the opportunity of undergoing a 16-month training at the Works Institute of Technology (WIT) while at the same time being employed by Saipem.
“Saipem will be sponsoring both males and females from communities where it is involved in to train in carpentry, plumbing, refrigeration and welding trades at WIT,” Gebia said.
“We believe that empowering young people with the right skills is one way we can contribute meaningfully towards the development of the country. As part of the agreement, Saipem will provide temporary employment for the 40 young men and women while they attend their training,” Cruccas said.