LNG project developer in agreement to sponsor Gulf students

FORTY students from Gulf will benefit from a scholarship from the operator of the Papua LNG Project, Total E&P PNG following the signing of an agreement.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Total E&P PNG, Port Moresby Technical College and the Department of Education on Friday in Port Moresby.
Total E&P PNG managing director Jean-Marc Noiray said about 200 students applied for the scholarship but 40 have been selected.
He said they were excited to partner with one of PNG’s most recognised training institution who would teach a new generation of young people.
“The decision to partner with POM Tech shows a commitment to work with PNG government institutions starting here by offering scholarships,” Noiray said.
The MoU paves way for students from Gulf to attend technical, vocational education and training (Tvet) at Pom Tech in engineering, building and construction.
“Our commitment is to pay tuition and fully support the students while they are studying,” he said.
The scholarship cost Total E&P PNG a total of K600,000.
Noiray said they would employ some of the students when the project starts after a few years.
“Some of the students might become a part of the pool of people we would need in the building of the project and we will know where to find them,” he said.
Port Moresby Technical College acting principal Henry Wamaingu thanked Total E&P PNG for the partnership and said they were ready to provide the training.
The acting deputy education secretary – policy and corporate services directorate Titus Hatagen said partnership was the way forward.
“No man is an island and the way forward for any country is through partnership,” he said.