The GDS trainees with their mentors cut the welcome cake
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) welcomed its pioneer Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) trainees after their admission on the 5th of June.
In the 2021 GDS program are Abraham Kromnong (Accounting) University of Papua New Guinea, Edward Kosi (Architecture) Papua New Guinea University of Technology, and Moses Waiviro (Agriculture) Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment.
The trainees have completed their induction and are progressing in their respective departments. The GDS Program is a first for OTDF that will provide on-the-job work experience for the trainees to learn and grow in their chosen field with the right mentoring. It also provides a pathway for sponsored students to enter the workforce should they qualify.
Edward Kosi spoke on behalf of the trainees, said his time so far with OTDF is going well. “I want to learn as much as possible as a professional architect, so I am working closely with the staff in the Infrastructure Department and my immediate supervisor as he guides my work.”
The 2-year program initiated by the Executive Management will recruit Western Province graduates to build human capacity in the province.
Three graduates will be offered an opportunity every 2 years to work in their respective fields within OTDF’s development programs.
The GDS program is a talent pipeline to satisfy current and future professional manpower, leadership, and succession planning needs.
It addresses OTDF’s Vision, to enhance the quality of life and self-sustainability of Western Province communities by contributing to human capacity development.