Lack of skilled workers seeing local builders miss out

BY MARK HAIHUIE
A LACK of skilled workers in the construction industry limits local firms from being subcontracted in major projects, according to a presenter at the 2018 PNG construction industry breakfast last week.
Parohu Engineering managing director Micah Vines said there was a need to restart government programmes that produced skilled professionals, as a lot of jobs were being outsourced to foreigners.
“There was a programme by the Department of Works that produced skilled workers which are vital to the growth of local firms and we need to get this running,” Vines said.
“A lot of local firms are overlooked in being subcontractors as the lead engineer or architect has the credentials but those under him do not.
“The large firms will not risk their standing as they operate to international best-practice standards.
“They may have the required skills but do not have the qualifications and that’s the majority of our workforce in the industry right now and if we are serious about building our country, then this needs to be sorted out.”
Vines said this was one of several issues in the industry and the monthly breakfast sessions would be an avenue to find solutions.
“This important industry underpins almost all development aspirations of our country and we must organise ourselves to be better represented and considered in government decisions,” he said. “This is a platform for speakers to have an exchange and this will be in the lead-up to the construction industry conference next year.
“The idea behind this is supported from several sponsors, including us at Parohu.
“This is for local contractors, consultants, engineers, suppliers’ manufacturers, even lawyers involved in the industry as well as for foreign entrants. The idea is to promote exchanges between ourselves and with agencies like the Department of Works, Central Suppliers and Tenders Board and Land Departments, and a range of others.”