Learning & Development

Our employees are our most important asset, and we invest in their personal and professional development to meet business challenges.
Home → How We Work → People & Capability → Learning & Development

OTML recognises the need for the workforce to be flexible and have the capacity to change and apply new technology to maintain competitiveness.

We offer a comprehensive suite of training and development programs commencing with site and departmental inductions through to external delivered mining leadership courses. OTML aims to ensure that all employees are skilled and competent in the execution of their responsibilities and are offered the opportunity for personal growth consistent with business needs.

Star Mountains Training Institute

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) operates the Star Mountains Training Institute (SMTI) as a Registered Training Organisation (NTC # 019) in Tabubil and is committed to the development of its most valuable resource – employees.

Since 1982 more than 10,000 employees have undertaken education and training in some form. Programs offered include Preferred Area Development (PAD), Apprenticeships, Graduate Development Scheme (GDS), Employee on-the-job training, in-country and overseas.

Graduate Development Scheme

OTML sponsors a GDS, in which promising new university graduates are identified and offered positions in their respective study disciplines that features mentoring, further training and career possibilities.

They undergo a two-year training program after which they are offered permanent positions depending on their performance and position availability. This program provides valuable professional on-the-job training.

Priority is given to those that have been sponsored through the Western Province education sponsorship program, and from the Preferred (Mine) Area.

Apprenticeship Trade Program

OTML operates an apprenticeship trade program to meet its needs and contribute to the national pool of tradespeople. OTML encourages its business partners also to develop apprentices.

OTML’s apprenticeship programs have received strong endorsements through the Papua New Guinea Apprentice of the Year Awards. Apprentice employees from OTML are consistently at the top of the ranking, either as winners or runners-up, in both practical and technical areas.

Our four-year apprenticeship training program covers the following trade areas:

  • Electrical Fitter
  • Electronics
  • Instrumentation
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
  • Carpentry and Construction
  • Cabinet Making
  • Plumbing
  • Auto-Electrical
  • Heavy Equipment Fitters
  • Metal Fabricating and Welding and
  • Maintenance Fitting and Machining.

Preferred Area Development (PAD)

OTML recognises the importance of providing specialised knowledge, skills and training for the mine-impacted communities in the Western and Telefomin District, Sandaun Provinces. We achieve this through the PAD Training programs.

These include Mine Haul Truck Operator, Articulated Truck and Bus Driver, Power House Operator, Mill Process Plant Operator, Rescue and Security and Office Administration Training.  This enhances their career prospects, as well as providing skilled labour for the Western Province and Papua New Guinea.

While all the above training programs are designed to develop skills that benefit OTML’s operation, they are applicable across industries, and many recipients have found employment in other companies in PNG and abroad.