Ok Tedi Mining (OTML) has celebrated the graduation of nine of its tradespeople under the Competency Based Training program at the Dr Weiss Training Centre in Tabubil.
The graduating group was comprised of five heavy equipment fitters and three electricians, with eight graduates being retained by OTML in various roles.
“The Competency Based Training (CBT) is a National Apprentice and Trade Testing board program that allows the semi–skilled workforce within the country to be recognised for their skills,” Training officer Allen Felix said.
“It is an informal pathway to obtaining a trades certificate by way of recognising the skills of the semi-skilled workforce in the mine’s preferred area.
“The CBT program offered by OTML is purposely for the preferred area communities only, to assist those who cannot make it through the company’s Apprenticeship Training Program.”
Each trainee completed three trade test levels, with each level being a pre-requisite for the next.
“In 2018 (the graduates) sat for their level one trade test and were deemed competent which qualified them to sit for level two in 2019. In June 2022 our CBT’s sat for their level two trade test successfully. This was followed by level three in July 2023,” Felix said.
Manager organisational and development training Ian Strachan commended the graduates for their patience with COVID-19 delays in the past seven years.
“I can only show my appreciation for your patience. You were all prepared, showing your commitment to the program and for that, congratulations. I’ve got nothing but praise for you,” Strachan said.
“I also would like to thank the hardworking trainers in the O&DT (organisational and development training) department, the unsung heros for being committed to you and the training you’ve undergone, including the other departments in Ok Tedi.”
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