Celebrating Excellence: FCS and the Return of the Apprentice Awards.

The National Apprenticeship & Trade Testing Board (NATTB) has long been a cornerstone of human resource development in Papua New Guinea. As a statutory office within the Ministry of Labour & Industrial Relations, established in 1953, it operates under the NATTB Act 1986 and Supporting Regulations of 1991. The board, comprising representatives from both industry and public organizations, is overseen by the NATTB Secretariat, led by its directors. 

Apprenticeship, a universally recognized method of training, is integral to developing skilled tradespeople across the globe. It provides individuals, regardless of gender, with employment and training opportunities in a specific trade. Through a formal agreement, apprentices commit to a four-year journey of learning, while employers provide the tools, facilities, and mentorship necessary for their growth. 

Thursday 28th November night marked the triumphant return of the NATTB Apprentice Awards, an event that had been on hold since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The evening was nothing short of emotional, as stakeholders and partners came together to celebrate the best of Papua New Guinea’s emerging talent. For those involved in organizing the awards, the overwhelming response brought tears of joy and pride. 

At Fubilan Catering Services (FCS), we have been running an NATTB-accredited Apprentice Cook School for over 20 years, proudly contributing to the development of human resources in PNG's hospitality industry. As the sole local company providing this program for two decades, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals. 

This year, our very own candidate, Mr. Paul Kabial, made us immensely proud. While he did not take home the top award, Paul achieved the prestigious WC. Gee Memorial Award, which is presented to the apprentice who achieves the highest marks in the theoretical tests conducted by NATTB. His exceptional performance underscores the quality of training and mentorship provided by FCS. 

A special acknowledgment goes to Mr. Unni Meetinay and the FCS management team for their unwavering dedication to the Apprentice Cook School program. Their commitment, year after year, ensures that our apprentices are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in the highly competitive hospitality industry. 

Paul’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the effectiveness of our training program. It reaffirms that FCS is not just meeting but exceeding industry standards in nurturing top-tier talent. 

We commend Paul Kabial and express our thanks to all stakeholders, partners, and the NATTB for their contributions to making this event a success. At FCS, we continue to focus on investing in individuals and paving the way for the next generation of skilled professionals.