Officers from the Department of Higher Education Research and Science Technology (DHERST) visited Ramu NiCo’s Training facilities as a first contact approach before the training department of the company can be given the permit as a recognised training institution in the country.
The visit to the company’s Basamuk Refinery and Kurumbukari mine sites was on March 18- March 20, 2026.
The visit by officers Florence Vaisime and Jacob Abba was a fact finding mission for the department before it takes further steps towards registering the Ramu NiCo Training Department as a recognised training institution.
During the visit, the officers were impressed by the state-of-the-art training facilities at Ramu NiCo. They were particularly impressed by the practical approach to the training, where employees are given hands-on experience and real-life scenarios to enhance their skills.
The officers also commended Ramu NiCo for its commitment to providing quality training to its employees, which contributes to the overall development of the country.
Furthermore, the Department of Higher Education Research Science and technology assured Ramu NiCo to have further compliance checks before the Ramu NiCo training programs can be registered and recognised by the education department as a training institution.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the officers to interact with previous graduates of the training programs. They were pleased to hear about the positive impact the training had on their careers and their lives in general.
Many of the graduates have been able to secure better job opportunities both within and outside the mining industry, thanks to the skills they acquired at Ramu NiCo.
Ramu NiCo has always been committed to investing in the local community through education and training programs.
The company believes that by providing these opportunities, they are contributing to the sustainable development of Papua New Guinea. The recognition and support from the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology would be success story for Ramu NiCo’s efforts in this aspect.
The visit ended with a positive note as the officers highlighted the importance of recognizing the vital role of technical and vocational training in the development of the country.
They also assured Ramu NiCo of their full support in the process of registering the training facilities as a recognized institution.
Deputy Human Resource General Manager Jeffers Heptol Teargun said the Trades Training is one part of the general training that covers wide range of training including process training, computer training, other technical training, high risk compliance training etc.
“So registering the Ramu NiCo as training institution would recognize any training including trades training, Mr Teargun said.
With this recognition, Ramu NiCo hopes to continue its mission of empowering individuals and contributing to the growth and development of Papua New Guinea.
