National Training Council

PORT MORESBY – The National Training Council (NTC) has observed a notable trend in Port Moresby, where an increasing number of young people are becoming actively involved in informal business activities. These ventures encompass a variety of trades, including motor vehicle glass tinting, vehicle repairs, air conditioning gas re-filling, carpentry, electrical work, electronics, and bricklaying. Despite their hard work and resourcefulness, many of these individuals lack formal trade qualifications, which limits their potential for growth and integration into the broader economy.

This trend highlights not only the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth but also the urgent need for structured support and training to help them transition into recognized professions. Recognizing this skills gap, with the launched National Training Policy (NTP) for 2022 to 2032, which aims to address the challenges faced by these young entrepreneurs and facilitate their movement into the formal sector

“The data collected from the survey will be analysed to classify the unemployed youths into two groups: those who are formally trade qualified or certified and those who lack formal qualifications from educational institutions. Based on this analysis, we will connect them with available government programs or scholarships aimed at helping them gain certification in their respective trades, enhance their training and education, seek employment, or start their own businesses. We will collaborate with stakeholders to offer a range of training, employment, and business opportunities to these surveyed youths,” said Mr Kinsella Geoffrey Director National Training Council.

The policy emphasizes the importance of gathering detailed information about informal sector activities. By understanding the landscape of these informal trades, the NTC can better assist young people in accessing training opportunities, employment, and even support for starting their own businesses. The collaboration with various stakeholders is crucial, as it ensures that the strategies developed are comprehensive and effectively meet the needs of the youth. In alignment with the NTP, the NTC has identified several Key Policy Areas (KPAs) that will guide its initiatives. These KPAs focus on Training for Youth, Training for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Training for the Informal Sector, Training for Private Sector and Industry Engagement, and the provision of National and Overseas Scholarships.

Each of these areas is designed to equip young people with the necessary skills and qualifications to thrive in their chosen trades. By prioritizing these KPAs, the NTC aims to create a robust framework that supports youth development and economic participation.

The upcoming survey is a vital component of this implementation process, as it seeks to profile the hard-working youths engaged in self-employment activities across various trades in Port Moresby. This profiling exercise will not only highlight the skills and challenges faced by these individuals but will also serve to inform the development of targeted training programs

Through this research, the NTC aims to identify the specific needs and aspirations of young entrepreneurs, ensuring that the training provided is relevant and impactful. Ultimately, the efforts of the NTC to support the informal sector and its youth are pivotal for fostering economic growth and sustainability in Port Moresby. By empowering young people with the skills and qualifications needed to transition into the formal economy, the NTC is not only enhancing their livelihoods but also contributing to the overall development of the community. As these young entrepreneurs gain access to formal training and resources, they will be better positioned to succeed in their trades, create job opportunities for others, and drive innovation within the local economy.

 Authorised by: Mr Kinsella Geoffrey – Director National Training Council.