SIXTEEN Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) engineer apprentices have taken an important step towards becoming nationally qualified carpenters after completing National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB) Level 2 Carpentry Trade Testing.
The trade testing, held last month at the Port Moresby Technical College Trade Test Centre, forms part of an ongoing program supported by the Australian Government through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) to strengthen the PNGDF’s engineering workforce.
The initiative aims to ensure PNGDF trade training meets national standards while building the technical capability of the Engineer Battalion through recognised trade qualifications.
PNGDF Director for Technical Training, Commander (Navy) Thomas (Kamilus) Asil, said it was encouraging to see the apprentices progressing through the certification program.
“It has been fantastic to see 16 PNGDF apprentices go through the trade testing. I look forward to seeing them continue and become fully qualified carpenters at the end of this year, which is extremely positive for the PNGDF,” he said.
Commander Asil said collaboration between the PNGDF, Defence Cooperation Program, Port Moresby Technical College and the NATTB had established valuable partnerships that would enable more Defence personnel to gain nationally recognised trade qualifications in the future.
Among those who completed the Level 2 assessment was Private Mary Kliawi, who is on track to become the first woman in the PNGDF to earn a carpentry qualification.
Before joining the Defence Force in 2025, Private Kliawi completed a National Certificate Level 3 in Carpentry at Port Moresby Technical College and had already achieved NATTB Level 1 certification.
She is one of 16 apprentices expected to undertake a Level 3 carpentry block course in September, followed by NATTB Level 3 trade testing in November.
“I am proud of myself because I can say I have achieved a lot. By the end of this year, I will proudly say I am a qualified carpenter,” Private Kliawi said.
The Engineer Battalion is investing in trade training as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in September, marking five decades of engineering support for national infrastructure projects, disaster response and military operations.
Australian Defence Force Sergeant Bradley Schopp, an Engineer Training Advisor with the Defence Cooperation Program, said the program was strengthening cooperation between the two defence forces.
“This initiative is building capacity and interoperability with our Papua New Guinea Defence Force allies, to enhance trade training capability within the PNGDF, which will support future operations and contribute to the security of our shared region,” Sergeant Schopp said.
The trade certification program is part of the broader defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, aimed at developing skilled personnel and enhancing the PNGDF’s long-term engineering capability.