Ramu NiCo has marked a major milestone in its workforce development programme with the graduation of 63 trainees who successfully completed nationally recognized trades training, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to building a skilled national workforce. Among them, 20 trainees are from KBK Mine and there was a long and interesting story to tell about the workforce development programme.
Zhang Lusen, Deputy General Manager of Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari Mine site, confirmed that the company has made significant progress in strengthening the skills and qualifications of its human resources, particularly among its tradesmen.
Mr. Zhang joined Ramu NiCo over 10 years ago, at a time when the mine was still in its early stage. He recalled that during those early years, very few national employees possessed the qualifications required to work with the advanced technologies, where automated machinery carried out a large portion of mining operations.
“At that time, the company needed professionals, in urgent need,” Mr. Zhang said. As a result, Ramu NiCo embarked on a targeted recruitment and training drive, focusing not only on hiring skilled personnel but also on identifying and developing talent from its own existing workforce.
He noted that the company’s “One Ramu NiCo, One Community” slogan played a vital role in fostering cooperation between Chinese and national employees, who worked closely together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another in developing trade skills.
To further strengthen career pathways and formalize qualifications, Ramu NiCo identified selected employees to undergo certified skills training. A total of 63 employees, including some from the company’s Basamuk Refinery, were sponsored to complete trades training programmes.
The initiative culminated in the graduation of all 63 participants, who received National Apprentice Trade Testing Board (NATTB) certificates in Heavy Equipment Fitting (HEF), Motor Vehicle Mechanics (MVM), Metal Fabrication and Welding (MFW), and Maintenance Fitting and Machining (MFM).
Mr. Zhang said he was honored to personally present trade certificates to 20 graduates from the Kurumbukari Mine site during a ceremony held on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Among them were eight pioneer trainees who successfully completed Level Three trades training.
He added that the results of the programme are now clearly visible across the mine site, with national employees confidently operating heavy machinery, driving Volvo trucks, operating dozers, and performing a wide range of technical roles.
Mr. Zhang expressed his hope that the graduates would continue to serve Ramu NiCo and grow alongside the company as it adopts new technologies and operational practices in the years ahead.
The graduation marked the first completion of the training programme by its pioneer participants, representing a significant achievement in Ramu NiCo’s ongoing commitment to national skills development.
Zhang Lusen (left), Deputy General Manager of Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari Mine site, presents a Level One Trade Certificate in Maintenance to Jerry Sau, witnessed by Ramu NiCo Deputy General Manager for Human Resources Department, Jeffers Teagun Heptol.