By Ms. Arlene Abital and Mr. Karl David Valmonte

Port Moresby, PNG, 16 June 2017 -- Seventeen PNG Power Ltd. technicians have utilized the Maintenance Fitting and Machining facilities at Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI), Boroko from June 13-23 for their competency-based training. Mr. Samson Kantha, Hydro Trainer at PNG Power considers the MFM workshop at the institute sufficient enough for operating lathe and milling machines’ training for the 1 female and 16 male trainees.

The Maintenance Fitter and Machinist extension 1 block course is designed as a learning pathway to Level II and Level III leading to a recognised trade qualification under the NATTB standards and NTC Qualification framework. Among these trainees, eight are apprentices who will go for NATTB Trade Test Level 1, seven are trainees and two are trade assistants. These participants have been doing hands-on job training at Rouna, Yonki and Warangoi Hydro power stations.

DBTI instructors, Mr. Julius Pagaurea and Br. Reto Wanner, SDB facilitate the workshop sessions through demonstrations and close supervision while PNG Power Ltd. instructors, Mr. Samson Kantha and Mr. Francis Oa assist the participants during their two-week training at the institute. The work pieces, 50 mm mild steel, round and square bars will be provided by PNG Power Ltd.

The DBTI and PNG Power Limited’s partnership commenced last year with technical students now in the fields of AutoCAD, MFM and Programmable Logic Circuit. "Building good relationships with the industries brings out positive results for the students. DBTI students doing their In-Plant Training, will have great chances of employment and apprenticeship for them," said Mr. Pagaurea, Head of Technology in MFM and MFW departments at the institute.

Former Don Bosco Technical Institute, Gabutu students, Ashley Elivap who graduated in 2011 and Jason Vungta in 2009 from have been with PNG Power Ltd. for two years now. "A good hands-on in the workshop relates much with our field work." said Ashley and Jason.

"The training here is relevant to the current work I do." said Doreen Nelson a graduate of Kokopo Secondary School and has been with the company for the past two years. The training she undergoes is part of her 4-year Apprenticeship Program offered by PNG Power Ltd.

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