The Ramu NiCo’s Graduate Development Scheme turned out to be a successful program to boost work production in its mine and refinery sites.

The Graduate Development Scheme or GDS enabled fresh graduates from various Universities in the country to undergo a two-year rotational training program since the GDS program was introduced in 2024.

The graduate development scheme for Ramu NiCo is now a very demanding program that exceeded its expectations from students all over the country flooding RNML HR Office with interest to be part of the scheme.

Ramu NiCo has been a core foundation for other programs that delivers human resources development programs. They are Local Hire Program, Trade Assistant Training for NATTB programs for local employees from project corridors and the Graduate Development Scheme Program introduced in 2024 after RNML’s 12th years of full production in Madang Province.

Ramu NiCo Human Resources Manager Mr Jeffers Heptol Teargun said during the official presentation for the 2025 GDS rotation at BSK Refinery, that the training received is an opportunity for recent graduates who pass out to have fair knowledge and understanding should a similar unique project develop in Papua New Guinea.

The first batch of graduates under the GDS Training Program have successfully completed their two-year program and now transitioned into permanent roles at Ramu NiCo.

One of the main benefits of the scheme was the rotation program. Graduates were rotated between different work sections and given the opportunity to work in different roles.

This allowed them to gain a well-rounded understanding of the company’s operations and also helped to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

The schemes also provided a platform for the graduates to network and learn from experienced senior employees.

“One candidate was successfully offered a role in one of Australian mines,” Mr Teargun said.

Ramu NiCo Refinery General Manager Mr Bill Hill said the Refinery has done its part to impart valuable knowledge and experience to all the Graduate, the ones that are still continuing and the ones that would come in the future.

This initiative not only benefits the company but also creates opportunities for young graduates to advance their careers.

Ramu NiCo’s GDS program is an initiative which the mining company created to train and produce skilled human resource of Papua New Guinea.