In 2018 the OPSC gave approval to the Ministry of Infrastructure & Public Utilities (MIPU) to trial their revised Apprenticeship Program; and trial of PCS Intern Policy.

The Human Resource Management team within the Corporate Service Unit managed the programs, with Directors, supervisors, and the Office of the Public Service Commission.

The Director General considers the apprentice program significant as it:

1. Provides practical and valued supervised work experience to the Apprentice;
2. Facilitates the completion of study requirement of industrial placement;
3. Expose the Apprentice / Industrial Placement candidate to government systems, processes, and code of conduct, and
4. Exposes MIPU staff to best practices, technical developments, and new talent pool.

PWD ensures their engagement in the MIPU internship and apprenticeship program is a pairing process that marries up department needs and areas of growth with individuals required to complete industrial placement to graduate, and recent graduates.   This way PWD is exposed to best practices while support the development of young professionals, and create a future talent pool.

PWD leads their intern and apprentice program by identify needs, and does not encourage calls for attachment or open petitions for volunteering or work experience.  The demand to meet work plans and national needs is extremely high, and PWD as a highly technical department requires skilled staff; and only has the resources to support talent development through apprenticeship and internships. 

The selection process for the programs has improved to ensure equity and inclusivity, as placements are based on merit and open competition – ie responding to calls for expressions of interest in PWD’s confirmed areas of need.

In 2018 PWD hosted 7 apprentices and their first interns.  In 2019 the programs EOIs have been expanded to procurement, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, architecture, material laboratory services, mechanics and roadworthiness examiner assistants.PWD’s Successful Apprentices & Intern

This month 3 apprentices have already commenced their placement – with more to start early next month.