Oil Search : helping local young menachieve their dreams through theapprentice programme

Oil Search helping local young men achieve their dreams through the apprentice programme

03 May, 2019

Four young men from the Oil Search project areas of Kutubu, Moran and Angore are now at the Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) for their one-year technical training under the Oil Search Apprentice Programme.

Process Technician apprentices Benjamin Kiate, Morris Hoffrey, Jack Kari from Kutubu/Moran and Electrical apprentice Kami Jack Putaija from Angore travelled to Malaysia with other young Papua New Guineans from the 2019 apprentice batch to commence their training at the world-class training facility.

The Oil Search apprentice programme runs for four years and begins with a one-year training course at INSTEP campus in Malaysia. The technically intensive course is designed to give the trainees underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be highly effective in their role.

Jack, 30, from Moran in Petroleum Development Licence 5,6 thanked Oil Search for the opportunity to develop his knowledge and technical skills in his field of work.

"The Oil Search apprentice programme is a very good programme because it produces a lot of technical experts and this is an opportunity for me to go out and learn from the world's best and contribute to the oil and gas development in Papua New Guinea."

"Oil Search operates in my area and I am always fascinated with the work they do. This led to my life-long dream of working for the company and to be part of its operations team. I am proud to say that I have fulfilled this dream and I am now part of the Oil Search family," Jack said.

Benjamin, 30, from Waro village in Kutubu attained a bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Technology. He described the experience as "awesome and very interesting."

"We have already learnt a lot of new things in the first few months since we started. It is truly a dream for every landowner to one day work with Oil Search and so it is so rewarding to finally be here as I have achieved my childhood dream."

Morris, 31, also from Kutubu dedicated his achievement to his family, tribe and clan.

"My community is proud that one of them is working with Oil Search. This is like me representing both sides - when I am at work, I represent my community and when I am on break, I represent the company in the community."

He further encouraged young aspiring apprentices to continue working hard and showcase their technical skills in their line of work.

Oil Search Limited

Incorporated in Papua New Guinea ARBN 055 079 868

"There is a great opportunity for aspiring apprentices to be part of the growth of the company and the industry in the country and it's all about commitment and perseverance."

Kami, 26, from a mixed parentage of Hela and Central province thanked his family for their continuous support throughout his journey.

"It is a privilege and I am honoured to represent our clan and community and it's every tradesperson's dream to have this opportunity with a company like Oil Search who provides every support necessary."

"I am eager to contribute to a company that is committed to PNG, committed to the people and building our economy," Kami said.

Upon return to the field, the trainees will work under supervision of respective trainers and other technicians. They will also undergo on the job, role specific and trade qualification related training that is integrated with Oil Search competency management system to ensure they are fully competent by the end of the training.

This year marks a new phase of the apprentice program with the 12-month technical courses at INSTEP, Malaysia. Oil Search has developed a pathway into the apprentice program for potential talent from the Oil Search project areas via the Kumul Petroleum Academy in Port Moresby.

Ends.

Pictures courtesy of Oil Search

OSH1 - Oil Search Apprentices Kami Jack Putaija, Morris Hoffrey and Benjamin Kiate at the Oil Search Port Moresby office during their departure for Malaysia. They are now at the Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP).

OSH2 - Oil Search Process Technician apprentice Morris Hoffrey at the INSTEP training facility.

OSH3 - Oil Search Electrical apprentice Kami Jack Putaija at the workshop in INSTEP, Malaysia.

OSH4 - Oil Search Process Technician apprentices Benjamin Kiate and Jack Kari at the process facility in INSTEP, Malaysia.