Marape backs technical, vocational training: PNG needs a skilled workforce

The National National

PRIME Minister James Marape has reiterated the importance of technical and vocational training in the country.
When announcing the higher and technical education reform on Tuesday to support the Papua Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project and other major upcoming developments in the petroleum and mining sectors, he outlined the following initiatives:

  • GENERAL reforms in quality assurance, regulation and compliance;
  • WORKING closely with development partners;
  • A NATIONAL skills development plan which was launched on Friday;
  • NATIONAL labour market survey;
  • STRONGER engagement with business and industry; and,
  • INDUSTRY-funded higher education institution places for eligible grade 12 school-leavers.

“Technical and vocational training is critically important in skills development and in fostering science, technology and innovation, driving the application, adaptation and use of new technologies,” Marape said.
“A skilled workforce with the capacity to replace current large numbers of migrant workers at the lower end of the national qualification framework has significant sustainable benefits to the country’s economy and community.”
Marape said the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology now had the regulatory power and oversight to provide a positive regulatory framework that reduced barriers and changed the incentives for both the private sector and training providers.
“This is timely as Government and industry partners collaborate on the successful roll-out and implementation of the Papua LNG project and related up-scaling of other commercial projects across other industry sectors,” he
said.
“Government regulation of the skills sector has traditionally focused on supply side technical training with a serious disconnect between the training undertaken and its relevance to industry.
“Thankfully, that ‘disconnect’ and outdated regulatory approach is of the past and the recent transfer of higher education institutions to the department marks a significant turning point in the operation and performance management of these institutions as part of the reforms.
“The department recently signed an MoU with Total Energies Ltd to undertake joint activities and leverage their comparative advantage to develop solutions which create positive economic and social value for Papua New Guineans.
“Working across partner networks, there are mutual benefits for improving the productivity and competitiveness of PNG’s present workforce in ways that deliver economic and social value.