Marape: PNG cannot train for the workforce of 1975

Prime Minister James Marape speaking during the establishment of School of Petroleum Engineering at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae, Morobe *(Image: NBC News)*

Papua New Guinea must change the way it trains its young people to meet the demands of a modern economy, Prime Minister James Marape says.

Marape made the remarks yesterday during the official launching of the new School of Petroleum Engineering at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae.

He also presented K10 million to Unitch and challenged the university to make sure its training, facilities and courses keep up with changes in technology and industry.

Marape said PNG could not continue preparing students for the workforce that existed when the country gained independence in 1975.

He said the jobs and skills needed today are different, with technology changing the way industries operate.

The Prime Minister said universities must respond to those changes by producing graduates who can compete for jobs in PNG and overseas.

The launch of the School of Petroleum Engineering is one example of the university expanding into specialised areas of training.

The school will provide students with training linked to petroleum engineering and the wider energy sector, which continues to play an important role in PNG's economy.

Marape said the K10 million funding should help Unitech improve its capacity, but he wants the university to clearly set out its priorities.

He has asked the university to provide its infrastructure development plan, saying the government is willing to consider further support if there is a clear plan for growth.

Marape also stressed the need to expand access to higher education for young Papua New Guineans.
He said government, universities and industry must work together to make sure the skills taught in classrooms match the needs of employers.

For Unitech, the funding comes as the university expands its training programs and looks to improve its facilities.

Marape said he is prepared to provide further assistance, but expects the university to show how additional investment will improve education and produce graduates with skills relevant to the country's changing economy.