Young Papua New Guineans will be able to build practical skills to lead, work and create opportunities through a series of youth- focused short courses launched once again recently.
The short courses are hands-on and targeted training for recent university graduates and young professionals to navigate and excel in workplaces, businesses and the community.
Over the next 18 months, eight courses will be facilitated by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia with a focus on applied learning that participants can immediately use.
The course are ethical leadership and decision-making, governance, entrepreneurship, digital capabilities, project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
While courses will be delivered in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the aim to support work-ready capacity needs, selected courses will offer study tours in Australia to build networks and gain further insights.
Australia and PNG’s close collaboration to supporting young women and men develop skills and build confidence and leadership capability, is essential for individual success, strong institutions, inclusive economic growth and adaptable communities.
Participant Ms. Lissah Iruinu noted that the course opened up new possibilities for the future.
“The course helped me to gain insights in reasoning, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills for achieving win-win solutions. It also introduced me to three different schools of thought to consider when making decisions. I feel more confident after attending the course, and I can now easily interact with other people,” she said.
Beyond networking with potential employers, two standout participants will secure internships with Australia Awards PNG, gaining vital experience and professional connections.
These 28 participants (14 women and 14 men), join a prestigious network of over 7,000 alumni driving change across PNG’s public, private, and civil sectors.
Applications for the next youth short course intake open in late 2026.
More information is available at australiawardspng.org.
