Newmont’s Lihir Operations takes on 59 new apprentices

Newmont’s Lihir operations marked the return of the Apprenticeship Training Program with 59 local Lihirian trainees signing Apprenticeship agreements with the company and the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board [NATTB].

On 13 August, the group of 43 male and 16 female trainees were formally accepted into three separate trade apprenticeships including Electrical Mechanic, Maintenance Fitting and Machining, and Heavy Equipment Fitting.

This is the largest single cohort intake for Lihir Gold Limited’s Apprenticeship Training.

Lihir’s Head of Operations, Troy Morris said they are excited to have them joining the teams, to learn, grow and help the company to run the mine and the operation in years to come.

“You are creating the pathway to inspire and guide others to join the apprentice program and work at Lihir mine in the future,” Mr. Morris said.

Manager for Human Resources, Mariano Dayag also emphasized Newmont’s value of Sustainability and that by reviving the Apprenticeship Program, the company is firmly focused on sustaining operations, the environment and workforce and developing the future of Lihir.

“The future is in your hands. We are here to support and guide you and facilitate your development through the apprenticeship program.

“This is a milestone as we work with the NATTB with your indenture signed to formally recognize you as apprentices.

“I encourage you all to work hard through the program, ensuring that you instil the values of Newmont in everything you do,” Dayag said.

Meanwhile, the Apprenticeship indentures [agreements] were signed between the apprentices, Principal HR Technical Training, Sebulon Ragi on behalf of Newmont Lihir Operations and NATTB Acting Director, Brian Clowes. The Apprenticeship Training will take four years to complete.

This training program was put on hold in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its resumption reflects Newmont Lihir’s renewed commitment to invest in the growth and future of its workforce, and the local Lihir community.

Newmont Lihir’s HR Technical Training team are planning to take in more apprentice trainees in 2025, including in the Metal Fabrication and Welding trade.