Article by Kelvin Hutchinson, John Davidson and Associates, global people solutions.

As skill shortages threaten project viability across the globe, Papua New Guinea is still attracting more than its share of talent on the move.

Despite the unprecedented demand for skilled workers across the board, JDA has undertaken an analysis of PNG recruitment trends and has identified that a high percentage of future leaders look to PNG for their next career challenge.

At the top end, mine management and senior technical people know that it is an absolute given that you immediately have to look overseas for the next career opportunity and PNG is a rich market, alluring staff for its valuable experience and career progression opportunities.

Why PNG is still an attractive employee market?

1. An international opportunity to work with the industry’s biggest and the best. The opportunity to work with mining giants such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Western Mining Corporation is a major drawcard to the area. These companies have strong people policies and reward achievement as well as provide strong career mapping and succession training. Working for one of the best demonstrates an employee’s commitment to workplace health and safety, teamwork, leadership and contemporary technical development. These large-scale international organisations also value and support their staff, providing training for future leaders.
2. Career progression. By demonstrating commitment to PNG’s remote projects and exhibiting exposure to cultural diversity, with strong cross-cultural skills, an employee’s international capabilities become an invaluable experience and desirable leadership trait. Leaders who can engage and empower others to adopt similar international and cross-cultural practices are in demand and well rewarded.
3. Improved employee benefits. Companies in PNG attract future leaders to their remote sites through highly competitive financial remuneration and non-financial benefits, creating an environment where people want to work. Senior management roles can attract 20-30 percent higher salary packages than their peers in say Canada, Australia or even South East Asia. For example, a third-tier mining engineer with five years experience might be looking at US$81,000 (A$110,000) in Australia, but US$103,000 – US$117,000 (A$140,000 to A$160,000) in PNG.
4. Retention is high. Retention on PNG sites is on average equal or better than sites in Australia or South East Asia. The contributing factors include the high profile of the projects in PNG, the personal and environmental challenges, the high standard of staff benefits and conditions and the social engagement of community living.
5. High return rate after initial term. Most employees work in PNG for an initial period of two to three years. It is estimated that 20 percent of all employees return, investing in future terms. Some staff never leave as they become entrenched in the way of life and cultural diversity of the region.
6. Cultural diverse community. PNG is rich in culture, employment and environment diversity. The wide-ranging experience provides a unique environment that can be personally rewarding, supporting local infrastructure, employment and community development.

Although the resource sector has been the driving economic force in PNG for decades, mining activity is predicted to have only reached the tip of iceberg. Technological advances are providing additional opportunities for further exploration and expansion and capital and infrastructure expenditure is soaring. With the energy and commitment in PNG escalating, it has been earmarked as an area to watch for future career opportunities.

JDA is the leading international mining, construction and engineering recruitment firm with 18 years experience in PNG. JDA has12 offices worldwide and employs 140 staff. It focuses on recruitment for positions such as professional engineers, skilled tradespeople, experienced supervisors and miners and labour hire placement. It also offers senior executive, CEO and board of director positions through its JDA Executive Global Recruitment. For more information contact JDA on 61 (0)7 3120 0900 or visit www.jda.com.au

Media contact: Sue Tierney 0406 374 469