PNG POWER LIMITED WELCOMES FIRST BATCH OF 2026 APPRENTICES

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

PNG Power Limited (PPL) has revived its apprenticeship program, after a long 6 year gap with 100 apprentices, comprising of 16 females and 84 males who were officially welcomed yesterday by the PNG Power Management team led by PPL Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Bayly, the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB) Caretaker Director, John Maraga and the vice minister for State of Enterprise, Raphael Tonpi at the PNG Power training centre in Hohola.

The apprenticeship program is designed to provide hands on training and mentoring to develop in-depth skills of the trade area, in line with PNG Power’s vision and mission.

PNG Power Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bayly, said the candidates chosen are from all four regions in the country, ensuring transparency and accountable in the selection process.

This year, the PPL Apprenticeship program has engaged 200 young trade people.

The first 100 batch was welcomed yesterday and will commence their 10 weeks training and will be sent out to PPL centres throughout the country for practical hands-on experience.

The second 100 batch of apprentices will be welcomed in May.

PPL CEO, Paul Bayly emphasised that the apprentice program is more than that a scheme, it is a strategic investment in the people who will keep the lights on, the turbines turning and the nation moving forward.

Meanwhile Vice Minster for SOE, Raphael Tonpi emphasised that the program aligns with Marape Rosso’s government agenda in expanding technical and vocational pathways, reducing unemployment and building resilience in critical industries.

Notably, the apprentices will be on the PPL payroll and after four years of training and practical experience, they will receive their trade certificate