PNG Forest Authority Acting Managing Director John Mosoro presented Professional Work Experience (PWE) certificates yesterday to 15 students from the University of Technology (Unitech) studying the Bachelor of Science in Forestry Degree program.
The 15 students took part in a 24-day training program under various directors at the nine directora Forest Authority Headquarters in late November and December last year.
Mr Mosoro commended and urged the students to put into good use what they had learnt.
He explained to the students before presenting the certificates that forestry plays a key role in PNG’s development and must not be isolated from other sustainable resource sectors.
“I want you to have a different mindset towards the forestry sector – forestry is not just about timber and log exports – it is about our people and welfare and how they can benefit from their resources,” Mr Mosoro said.
“Forestry must not be isolated in PNG’s development. Forestry is integrated to the medium-term development strategy plan and Vision 2050.
” Forestry and PNGFA play a key role in the development of PNG. We assist and give licenses to landowners to develop their resources and gain economic and other benefits as well as open up road links to rural parts of PNG under the Connect PNG program.”
He assured the students that PNGFA would recruit the best by merit, who would be sent out to the field under different directors initially to gain hands on experience and build their careers in forestry and other sectors.
“I want to groom up and coming young minds. I want the best in forestry and will employ by merits, ” Mr Mosoro said.
One of the student trainees, Miss Mona Lisa Ten, said it was a privilege and wonderful to gain professional work experience at PNGFA.
“At Unitech, we learn out of textbooks. We do not get hands on experience. This 24 days with the PNGFA directors was insightful – an eye-opening experience. It was a wonderful experience. I would be happy to be employed by PNGFA and start out on the field, ” Miss Ten said.