Papua New Guinea-focused miner Ok Tedi (OTML) has graduated its newest classes from its graduate development scheme (GDS) and preferred area development (PAD) programs.

The 25-member class held a combined ceremony to mark the achievement on 27 January.

A total of 15 trainees from various disciplines of accounting, electrical engineering, environmental health, geology, human resource management, information and communications technology, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, mineral processing and surveying graduated from the GDS. Ten earned their graduation from the PAD program for business studies, power operations and process plant operations.

Aside from those 25 receiving their certificates, five trade test candidates also received their Trade Test Level 1–3 certificates in business studies. The certificates were presented by the OTML executive leadership team.

“Every class you’ve taken, every skill you’ve learned, and every certification you’ve earned, they’ve all been preparing you to adapt to change and challenges. But as you know it’s a tough world out there, nothing will be handed to you; you have to earn it,” Acting CEO and General Manager - Mining Derrick Kelly said at the ceremony.

Manager Training and Organisation Development Ian Strachan added: “Today is yet again a testimony to your commitment to the development of PNG’s most valuable resource, which is our future leaders. To the graduates, this is a moment in your life’s journey where one door opens, and another closes. I strongly encourage you to make the most of this opportunity.”

Ten of the trainees from both the GDS and the PAD programs for this cycle have been offered permanent roles with OTML.

Since 1982, OTML has graduated 579 GDS trainees, 1,139 tradesmen and women from its Apprenticeship Training (AT) Program and 679 PAD trainees.

Source: Ok Tedi