Forging a skilled workforce: Developing local talent in PNG

Over the past few months, some of our crew in Papua New Guinea (PNG) had the opportunity to take part in specialised welding courses in Port Moresby to further develop their skills, in partnership with Weld Australia. 

The program, led by an experienced trainer, saw ten participants from across our Lihir and MWJV projects gather for two courses, Welding Technology Basics (WTB) and International Welding Inspector (IWI-B).  

The participants engaged in theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, gaining hands-on experience and a deep understanding of welding inspection procedures, with the comprehensive program covering welding processes, codes, standards, inspection techniques and safety protocols. 

M&IS Quality and Welding Manger, Mark Potts aid this program was a first, and a fantastic example of our commitment to corporate social responsibility by training some of our national employees in welding inspection.   

“By investing in the development of local talent, Monadelphous is not only bridging the skills gap but also empowering the local workforce to make significant contributions to their communities, and the broader nation. I’m proud of our ongoing dedication to creating sustainable opportunities and fostering economic growth in PNG,” he said.  

Mark added that the success of the course was due to the proactive support and engagement of the site teams across Lihir and MWJV, and the collaboration between site teams, participants and Weld Australia.  

“Everyone fostered a strong sense of teamwork, highlighting the collective effort to advance welding inspection practices across our operations,” he added. 

Learning and Development Advisor, Sean Lavin said upskilling initiatives like this one showcase the value of professional development opportunities in PNG, allowing employees to acquire essential skills and expand their knowledge in line with international best practices.   

“We anticipate the newly acquired expertise will have a positive impact on welding inspection practices across our operations, promoting higher quality standards and safety measures – which is a great outcome for everyone,” Sean said.  

At the conclusion of the course, participants were awarded with internationally recognised Welding Inspector certifications acknowledging their enhanced skills and competence, as well as empowering them to contribute significantly to their respective organisations and promote high standards of quality control.