Workforce Development

Developing a skilled national workforce is central to Papua LNG’s contribution to Papua New Guinea’s long-term economic development. As a core pillar of National Content, Workforce Development focuses on enabling Papua New Guineans to access employment, build relevant skills, and participate in the country’s growing energy and industrial sectors.

The Project prioritizes local recruitment, starting with communities in the Project Area of Influence and host provinces, while working closely with contractors, training institutions and public partners to strengthen training pathways and long-term employability. Through targeted training and upskilling, Papua LNG aims to maximize workforce nationalization while maintaining high standards of safety, performance and operational integrity.

Recognizing the limited availability of suitably skilled local workers, particularly for semi-skilled roles, and the increasing competition for talent across concurrent projects, the Project is focused on developing competitive skills among Papua New Guinean nationals. This approach supports both immediate workforce needs and the creation of a sustainable, globally competitive talent pipeline.

Workforce development is guided by two key principles:

1. Sustainable workforce empowerment
2. Coordinated training and recruitment

Sustainable Workforce Empowerment

Papua LNG is committed to enabling Papua New Guineans to actively participate in the project by building a strong and competitive workforce. This includes supporting local employment initiatives and creating pathways for young people to access industrial careers.

The project works in close partnership with contractors and local stakeholders, including Jerilai Pujari Holdings Limited, a landowner company that plays a key role in facilitating local employment. This approach ensures that opportunities are accessible to communities directly impacted by the project.

Papua LNG also supports national initiatives such as the WAN PNG platform, a state-operated system connecting job seekers with employment opportunities across the country. By contributing to its development and use, the project helps improve transparency and access to jobs on a national scale.

Training and Development

The training of Papua New Guinean citizens is the foundational component of workforce development within National Content. To optimize this approach, the Project has established five levels of employment-associated training and related activities. This provides workers with the knowledge to work effectively and safely while aligning with expected project execution strategies to lead to potential improved career opportunities for those that seek it.

The five levels are:

1. Worksite induction training
2. Basic skills training
3. On-the-Job skills training
4. Project- and Contractor-led semi-skilled craft training
5. Internship

Building long-term capabilities requires strong partnerships with educational institutions and training providers. Papua LNG works with national and international stakeholders to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training Systems in Papua New Guinea.

The project actively contributes to national education initiatives alongside partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It also engages with institutions and government bodies to ensure that training programs align with industry needs and that qualifications are recognized.

In addition, Papua LNG supports students beyond training itself, including administrative assistance, financial inclusion and ongoing engagement to improve learning outcomes and employability.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a key component of Papua LNG’s workforce development strategy, helping young Papua New Guineans gain technical skills and access career opportunities.

The project supports students through partnerships with institutions such as Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu and Port Moresby Technical College, covering a range of technical disciplines including welding, electrical instrumentation, plumbing and heavy equipment maintenance.

Beyond financial support, scholarship programs include structured induction, mentoring and follow-up to ensure students successfully complete their training and transition into employment. These programs aim to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the project and the wider economy.

With a strong local workforce, Papua LNG’s early works at Herd Base bring together teams from nearby communities to support project development.