OVER 5000 STUDENTS VISIT PNGUOT BOOTH DURING NCD CAREER EXPO

By Phyllia Pisep

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) attended NCDC Secondary Schools Career Expo as an exhibitor from the 12th – 16th August in Port Moresby.

**Team PNGUoT booth preparation for the hectic expo week at Port Moresby National School of Excellence.**

The event was held at the Port Moresby National School of Excellence and PNGUoT seized the opportunity to inform students about the courses offered at the institution.

There were thirty (30) schools with a total of 5, 642 students that actively participated in the expo to visit booths set ups of different institutions from around the country.

PNGUoT’s Student Administration staff highlighted the admission requirements, processes to apply for both School Leavers (SL) and Non- School Leavers (NSL), Academic programs; including online programs. They further explained the processes and the need for Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (Stat-PNG). The recent reorganization of the University’s academic structure which is aligned to the PNGUoT’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 was also covered.

On average, PNGUoT staff saw over a thousand students each day.

*PNGUoT staff addressing students during the Expo.*

*Students came with different questions on how best they can apply for programs offered at PNGUoT.*

Jeff Vincent Jack, a grade 12 student from La Salle Technical Secondary School said, “It’s good that PNGUoT was here to set up because we see PNGUoT as a leading institution in PNG. It’s good to talk directly to them and clear doubts about the programs and the requirements to study at PNGUoT. I was satisfied after visiting the booth and thank the University staff that were present during the week to clear doubts”.

**Jeff Vincent Jack (center) with his classmates during the Expo.**

The treasurer for NCDC Secondary Schools Career Expo, Gevena Gwaibo said, “The Expo is very informative for the grade 12 students in NCD. This year’s expo has largest number of exhibitors who was present to exhibit. However, there is a need for nursing colleges, teachers ‘colleges, TVET from the Department from Education which I see a need for PNGUoT’s nursing college to have a booth as an exhibitor as well. “

“PNGUoT has been one of the most committed exhibitor for this NCDC Secondary Schools Career Expo over the years. Despite not participating last year, the committee is glad to have PNGUoT back on board as students from last year were looking forward for them.”

PNGUoT’s Deputy Registrar (Academic), Naomi Wilkins said, the University has participated in so many of these kind of Expos in the past in different locations and will continue to participate.

“The need to participate is to do awareness as there are continuous changes within the University and we need to inform interested students who are applying for our programs.”

“Bulolo Forestry College, Lae School of Nursing, Timber & Forestry Training College (TFTC) are merged with us so they have to market their programs as well as we do not expect all these students to apply and get into tertiary instutions”.

Mrs. Wilkins said PNGUoT hopes to participate in expos and events to market updated programs that are offered in the university.