On Friday May 23rd 2025, NTC approved Steamship’s Three-Year Training and Employment Plan (3YTEP) with a Certificate of Compliance and Approval Letter which covers years 2025-2028. This is the first time NTC has worked with Steamships to approve its 3YTEP. Steamships is a dedicated and long-serving company in PNG and is deeply focused on a training and localization plan, with a structured and deliberate commitment to equip, empower and promote Papua New Guineans across all levels of the organization.
The National Training Council’s 3YTEP is a strategic initiative designed to align with the National Training Policy 2022–2032, aiming to enhance human resource development in Papua New Guinea. By establishing a framework for employers to submit their training and employment plans, the Council seeks to identify and address the specific training needs of the workforce. The commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of workforce and training data ensures that individual companies can provide accurate information without concerns about privacy. This aggregated data will play a crucial role in highlighting training gaps across both private and public sectors, enabling targeted interventions by training providers to better meet local demands.
Moreover, access to this consolidated data empowers the National Training Council on behalf of the Department and Ministry of Labour and Employment to deliver informed and strategic advice to the Government regarding policy decisions that impact training and employment initiatives. By effectively utilizing the insights gained from the 3YTEP, the Council can advocate for relevant policies that support skill development and workforce readiness, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of Papua New Guinea. This collaborative approach fosters a stronger relationship between the government, training providers, and employers, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving job market.
Steamships Managing Director Mr Chris Daniells stated, as part of this commitment, Steamships have rolled out a combination of technical, behavioural and leadership programs, that have been designed specifically to empower exceptional employees who have shown leadership qualities. These include; John Swire and Sons Leadership Philosophy, which emphasizes growing leaders from within, building character alongside competence, and creating a culture of responsibility, resilience, and long-term thinking.
“The journey when started building this commitment, isn't just a compliance exercise. It is at the heart of our belief that PNG is our home, and that we have a responsibility to help shape it, especially shaping its future”, said Mr Daniells.
National Training Council Director, Mr Kinsella Geoffrey commended Steamships in addressing the role of PNG government through NTC, with efforts made by Steamships in training and developing the workforce, noting that many individuals who have received training over the years have successfully transitioned into the economy. This acknowledgment is part of a broader government agenda aimed at enhancing training and employment opportunities for the youth and the general public, particularly in response to criticism regarding job creation.
“It is recognized that both the government and private sector play crucial roles in this endeavour, and there is a need for better communication of their achievements to stakeholders and the general public. The introduction of a three-year training and employment plan will serve as a benchmark to measure Steamships' performance, ensuring that progress is reported to the Department and Ministry of Labour and Employment”, said Mr Geoffrey.
Further, the government encourages Steamships to continue expanding training and employment opportunities, including international experiences that can enrich local skill sets. Various internal programs, such as the graduate development and leadership programs, have been acknowledged for their positive impact. Additionally, the establishment of a Learning Resource Centre and a Maritime College is anticipated to enhance training prospects for both new entrants and those seeking refresher courses. The government also highlights the importance of increasing female representation within the workforce and aims for greater local participation in various roles. Submission of annual performance reports to NTC are expected to track progress against the training and employment plan, paving the way for future revisions and enhancements.
