National collaboration efforts are needed to build Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) skilled workforce and increase participation in procurement and job supply chain in the resource sector.
This was stressed by Lonnie Baki, Secretary – Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) when closing his presentation in the first session of today’s PNG Resource Week 2026 event at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city.
He said: “Papua New Guinea has a unique opportunity to ensure that our greatest legacy is not only the resources that we extract, but the skills we develop, the businesses we grow, and the opportunities we create for Papua New Guinean citizens. This is the challenge and the opportunity we have before us.”
The topic of discussion was on “Building a skilled workforce and increasing PNG participation in procurement and supply chain.”
Secretary Baki was joined in the presentations and discussions by Professor Ora Renagi – Vice Chancellor of PNG University of Technology (PNG UoT) and Professor Ian Findlay – Vice Chancellor of University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
He said the National Higher and Technical Education Plan 2026 – 2035 is focused on three main priorities; Access, Quality, and Relevance. Which intend to produce better qualities and qualifications in student to head into the work force.
Secretary Baki revealed that, an average of 28, 600 students complete secondary education each year, and with the increased number of student places, the demands continue to grow. In response to meet the growing demand of Access, DHERST has introduced Higher or Tertiary Education Loan Programme, Student Assistance Scheme, Capital Investment Programme, the National Online Application System and the National Online Selection System, providing the students options.
However, it will take strong institutions, continued investment and close partnerships with industries to ensure Access, to meet the growing demands.
The second priority is Quality, which determines the credibility of the Higher Education System.
“Expanding access is important, but access alone is not enough. Every graduate should possess the skills, competence, and qualifications required by employers in Papua New Guinea and Internationally.
The National Higher and Technical Education Plan recognizes that while some programmes are supported by well-established curriculum and strong governance mechanisms, others require significant improvements to fully comply with national standards and requirements,” said Baki.
The higher education institutions in the country are the knowledge hubs through knowledge creation, dissemination, and application. Managing with limited resources, they still strive towards meeting national and international standards, which is no easy task.
Therefore, quality is a shared responsibility that needs collective support from the government, industry, development partners and communities, to continue producing graduates with skills, competencies and qualifications that is required by employers.
Education cannot stand still while industries continue to evolve. That is why the government continues to emphasize on strengthening collaboration between industry and the education sector. As Papua New Guinea’s mining, petroleum and energy sectors continue to grow, so does the need for a workforce with the skills, knowledge and capabilities to meet the needs and requirements of those industries. This is where the third priority Relevance, comes in.
Secretary Baki also revealed the five National Training Packages that have been developed and approved for Agriculture, Construction, Fisheries, TVET Trainer Education, and Hospitality and Commercial Cookery. While a further five packages are under development for Engineering, Customs and Freight Forwarding, Transport and Logistics, Tourism and Security.
He said, these competence-based training are helping to ensure graduates are trained to recognized industry standards and are better prepared for employment.
Papua New Guinea’s development through the education sector can be measured by Improving Access, Strengthening Quality and ensuring education remains relevant to the needs of industry.
It is a shared responsibility; it requires collaborative effort and also commitment from the government, education institution, development partners and the industry, working together to prepare the next generation of Papua New Guineans.
