Unitech’s Renagi worried over lack of forestry job offers

MANY graduates of the University of Technology (Unitech) and colleges are not given job opportunities in the forestry sector, Unitech Vice-Chancellor Dr Ora Renagi says.
Speaking yesterday during the opening of a training programme for forest monitors at Lae’s Timber and Forestry Training College.
Renagi said out of all forestry students who graduated each year, only 20 per cent were able to secure jobs in the sector and it was something that needed to be looked at seriously.
“With this training taking place now, we see that there is a need for more qualified people in the forestry sector.”
Renagi said he had told the labour and forest departments of logging companies in the country that were reluctant to employ graduates coming out of universities and colleges.
“Many of those foreign logging companies recruit workers from their country while we have the manpower and capability to do the same job with our graduates,” Renagi said.
“It is now the task of our Government to make sure that the people we train are recruited and are able to work in the industry.”
Renagi said there was demand for job opportunities in the industry but proper policies and management would see jobs created for many graduates leaving universities and colleges.
He said the sector and the Government should be aware of that and create jobs for graduates.
Renagi said a lot of forestry resources were under-used, not managed properly or uncontrolled.