Papua New Guinea miner Ok Tedi said that 37 new apprentices have joined its Apprenticeship Training Program, bringing its total current apprentice numbers in the program to 73.

The group, which includes 19 males and 18 females, are first-year apprentices and on 16 May signed their indenture contracts with OTML and the National Apprenticeship Trade Testing Board (NATTB) in Tabubil, Western Province.

The apprentices are enrolled in various trades including auto electrical, carpentry, cabinet making and joinery, electrical, heavy equipment fitter, maintenance fitting and machining, metal fabrication and welding, plumbing and refrigeration and air conditioning. Each will have four years of apprenticeship training to include practical placements within the company, extension and block courses; these will be done on-site or through various registered institutions in the country that will contribute to the final attainment of their trade certificates.

General Manager for People and Capability Mark Stone highlighted the importance of safety, discipline and professional conduct to the group in training.

“Safety is the most important thing in everything we do. If we can’t do it safely, then we simply can’t do it! We want people to work hard but go home at the end of the day without having done any damage to themselves, others or any equipment.”

Since 1989, a total of 1,093 apprentices have undergone the OTML Apprenticeship Training Program.

Source: oktedi.com