The PNG LNG Project, operated by ExxonMobil PNG, is assisting the University of Technology engineering department with K230,000 towards Washington Accord accreditation.
The University’s engineering department has already restructured first year subjects and aims to have its bachelor degree internationally accredited by the year 2022.
The Washington Accord is an international accreditation agreement which sets a standard for professional engineering degrees to be recognised across signatory countries.
ExxonMobil PNG’s General Manager - Technical, Cliff Kratzing said the assistance given will help the department continue to raise its standard of assessment, drive academic results and most of all, align with international standards.
“Many of our engineers have graduated from the university to become some of our greatest assets. Through their efforts we have created an enviable reputation as a reliable supplier of LNG to Asia,” Kratzing said.
“We are developing Papua New Guineans to run and grow our business for the long term. Similarly, the investment we are making towards Washington Accord accreditation will shape and grow the country’s engineering resources for the future.”
The University’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ora Renagi, said the support will greatly assist in the department’s endeavour towards accreditation.
“The support by PNG LNG builds on prior contributions and will go towards the appointment of a full time Accreditation Manager and assistance from external consultants,” Dr. Renagi said.
ExxonMobil PNG has been supporting the university since 2014 and also offers career opportunities to Papua New Guinean graduates with engineering degrees and other professional backgrounds such as accounting and business, IT and science.