Oil Search launches scholarship program

Oil Search has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship program for Papua New Guineans attending technical schools and universities.

The scholarships worth K5.7million is open to all Papua New Guineans, with priority given to candidates from
Oil Search’s project impact area provinces based on merit and includes support to secondary schools.  

The scheme was launched in Port Moresby (Friday 8 November, 2019) by Dale Rollins, Oil Search Executive Vice President & President PNG and Linda Griffin, Oil Search Senior Vice President for People & Culture. Joining the launch were science students Maureen Alphonse and Longfield Tai, the first recipients of the Internship element of the new program.

“The Oil Search STEM Scholarship Programme is an exciting new initiative by the Company to continue to strengthen its pipeline of future leaders and to build a capable and diverse workforce in Papua New Guinea,” said Rollins.

The STEM scholarship is one element of Oil Search’s overarching scholarship program. Three of the four elements are being managed by Oil Search Foundation and these include:

  • STEM Internships for third year university students (nine to 11 interns commencing in 2019)
  • STEM Scholarships for final year university students leading to conditional entry to the Oil Search Graduate Development Programme (six full scholarships to be awarded in 2020)
  • Support to secondary schools in Oil Search project impact areas.

The fourth element is the Pre-Employment Technical Training (PETT) scholarships being managed by
Oil Search. The scholarship targets students pursuing a technician career pathway and there are 10 trainees currently at the Kumul Petroleum Academy.

Oil Search recognises the need to create opportunities in the oil and gas industry for young PNG citizens and encourage early attraction and entry of high-potential talent into its pipeline and educational scholarships are an important factor towards meeting this need.

“We will continue to support young Papua New Guineans in secondary schools, technical schools and universities through a integrated technical talent development plan which will be rolled out over the next five years,” Rollins said.

“It is a new approach in talent identification and provides an entry pathway to Oil Search through the Company’s Graduate Development Program and Apprentice Program.”   

Oil Search welcomed its inaugural intake of nine interns in 2019, two of whom have completed their internship with the company’s Exploration team. The best performing interns will then be offered a graduate scholarship for their final year of their study based on a competitive application process.

After completing their STEM degree, the scholarship recipients will be prioritised when applying for the
Oil Search Graduate Program provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Oil Search also announced a contribution of K100,000 towards supporting the PNG University of Technology (UNITECH) current accreditiation objectives with Engineers Australia. The announcement by John Kurz,
Oil Search Chief Operating Officer, was welcomed by key department heads from UNITECH and the Institute of Engineers Papua New Guinea.

The STEM Scholarship Program for tertiary students aims for a 50:50 gender balance, however all scholarships are merit-based and will be managed by the Oil Search Foundation in parallel with existing scholarship programs. It includes a leadership program and covers full tuition fees, accommodation, travel, book and equipment allowances, work practicals assistance for courses that require the students to undergo practical work, medical insurance and living allowances.

Oil Search has a long history of providing young Papua New Guineans with opportunities to commence their career and offers excellent hands on technical experience, training and development paired with competitive salaries and benefits.

The Company focuses on creating a fair, equitable working environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunity.

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