Popondetta and Vudal Year 3 students on industrial training with NBPOL

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Photos above: Induction with NBPOL Training Manager
Mr Steven Maddie and NBPOL Human Resource Secretary
Ms Margaret Sitban.
Industry training is an important component of all academic programs at PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNG UNRE), providing students with practical workplace experience.

In West New Britain Province, this requirement is being supported through a training partnership between the PNG UNRE West New Britain Students Association (PNG UNRE WNBSA) and New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL).

Initiated in 2024, the collaboration enables Year 3 students from different academic programs
to undertake industrial training with NBPOL. It is coordinated by PNG UNRE WNBSA in collaboration with NBPOL Training Manager Mr Steven Maddie and Head of Smallholders Affairs Mr Wilfred Tangole.

Under the arrangement, students complete an eight-week training program, gaining hands-on industry experience and applying academic theory in practice. NBPOL provides financial support to assist them during their training period. 

In 2024, a total of 22 students successfully submitted their training requirements and were placed with NBPOL. 

This year, NBPOL has confirmed that 22 third-year students are currently undertaking industrial training in West New Britain under its Oil Palm Research, Smallholders Department and plantation operations. Of these, 17 students—comprising 14 male and three female students—are from Vudal Campus, while five students (one male and four female) are from Popondetta Campus.

Former PNG UNRE WNBSA president (2024) and final-year Bachelor of Environment and Climate Change student Mr Steven Waluka said the partnership provides valuable learning opportunities for students and contributes to workforce readiness.

“This agreement with NBPOL has given students full support and practical experience, allowing them to better understand industry expectations and apply their academic knowledge in a real working environment,” Mr Waluka said.

On behalf of the 2024 and 2025 PNG UNRE WNBSA, Mr Waluka extended appreciation to NBPOL WNB General Manager Mr Mohamed Azhaza Abdul Aziz, Human Resources Manager Ms Tracey Isarua, as well as Mr Maddie and Mr Tangole for their support and collaboration in accepting PNG UNRE students for industrial training.

PNG UNRE acknowledges NBPOL’s continued support for student capacity-building through industry-based training partnerships.


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