Youth jobs boost: Program delivers real employment in Lae

The Urban Youth Employment Project is already benefiting young people in Papua New Guinea, just six months into its latest phase, through strong partnerships with industry.

A key partnership between the Lae City Authority [LCA], South Pacific International Container Terminal [SPICT]), and ICTSI South Pacific is helping create real job opportunities for youth in Lae.

The program is part of the Urban Youth Employment Project II, funded by the World Bank and supported by the Government of Papua New Guinea. It aims to give unemployed urban youth practical skills and work experience to improve their chances of getting long-term jobs.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU], young people are placed in structured internships at SPICT, where they gain hands-on experience and learn important workplace skills.

Since the internship program started in October 2025, two groups of young people have completed a 65-day work placement. So far, 10 interns have taken part, working in areas such as operations, human resources, and health, safety, security, and environment.

The program is already showing results. Six of the participants have been given full-time jobs in SPICT’s Operations Department. They are now working as checkers and dockers, with opportunities to move into higher roles in the future.

The program starts with community outreach and screening, followed by life skills training, work exposure, and then internship placement. The 65-day internship gives participants paid work experience and helps prepare them for future employment.

ICTSI South Pacific CEO Robert Maxwell said the company is committed to supporting young people in the communities where it operates.

“We’re passionate about supporting the local communities we work in. Having a youth program like this and developing career pathways is one way we give back to the community in Lae. These programs are important in helping young people succeed in their careers,” he said.

The partnership shows how government and private companies can work together to address youth unemployment and build a skilled workforce for the future.