PNGDF strengthen trade skills

The graduating cohort

THIRTY-five Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel successfully completed 8 weeks of intensive training in automotive and carpentry trades; strengthening technical capability within the PNGDF.

Delivered under the PNG-Australia Partnership, through Pacific Australia Skills, this initiative is part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) broader support to strengthen PNGDF capability. The training supports PNGDF personnel to develop skills that meet industry standards and create pathways towards recognised trade qualifications.

Of the 35 graduates, 16 completed Level II Carpentry & Construction, while 19 completed Level I Automotive.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the graduating cohort and reaffirms the strong and enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, with a shared commitment to advancing skills development in Papua New Guinea.

The event was attended by representatives from both Papua New Guinea and Australia, including PNGDF Chief of Logistics Colonel John

Giregire, Australian Defence Adviser Lieutenant Colonel Simone Heyer, and Director of National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB), Mr Brian Clowes.

“This is a great incentive by the Australian Government, through Pacific Australia Skills. Papua New Guinea Defence Force has an ageing force, and we need this training. For the first time, we have these thirty-five soldiers undergoing this initiative. We would like this collaboration to continue so we can build the next generation of skilled workforce that will contribute and serve the force and the country”, said Colonel Giregire.

From left to right: Lieutenant Colonel Simone Heyer (ADF), Carpentry Level II graduate Moses Wai, and Pacific Australia Skills PNG Country Director, Mark Silva.