This young Piribu lad who is outgoing, funny, carefree has indeed a lot of story behind his journey into Ramu NiCo.

Nelson Ajai hails from the Hela Province, specifically Tari Pori District and belongs to the Piribu Tribe. His educational journey in primary school was at Holy Trinity in Hagen and continued to Hagen Park Secondary school where he completed his grade 12 in 2015.

Following secondary school, he got his offer letter from the University of Technology in 2016. Ajai got enrolled in Unitech in 2016 to pursue a degree in Electrical and Communication Engineering, majoring in Electrical. Although he was expected to complete his academic studies and graduate in 2020, he faced challenges that eventually led to a break in his academic journey.

In 2017, he withdrew from his studies to play rugby. Eventually Ajai pushed his carefree rugby game days away and decided to complete his studies. He returned to Unitech in 2018, successfully completing his second year, followed by his third year in 2019, and reaching his final year in 2020.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that year,  Ajai struggled to secure employment post-graduation in 2021. It was quite a struggle indeed, doing a lot of job hunting.

In 2022, he got a call from Port Moresby and flew there where he became a youth advocate, engaging with community programs to support local youth initiatives.

Whilst being in Port Moresby in 2022 participating in youth advocacy programs, he has applied out to various companies, unfortunately he faced numerous rejections while applying for various jobs. These various rejections weighed on him, the pressure of not securing a decent job was a constant battle.

Despite the rejections Ajai pushed through, in 2023, he secured a position with Goodman Fielder at 11 Mile in Lae, where he worked as an electrician on a project for Foods and Beverages (FABS), an Indonesian owned company and major contractor in the food and beverages sector.

Whilst working there, he was involved in a project which was a lot of hands-on experience for him. His role as an electrician marked his first professional experience, notably his practical skills.

During the Unitech career expo day, Ajai took the initiative to visit some of the boys in school. Whilst visiting the boys he decided to explore and seek out some well awaited career expo opportunities.

While walking through the crowded area Ajai spotted the Ramu NiCo information booth. From there he learned about the Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) offered by Ramu NiCo.

Seizing this opportunity on the spot, he applied immediately and participated in an open interview with Ramu NiCo HR manager, Jeffers  Heptol.

Waiting for the response from Ramu NiCo, he got a phone call which turned out to be his second interview done through phone call.

With his technical skills highlighted during the interview, he got accepted to be one of the twenty graduates who are part of Ramu NiCo’s GDS.

He recalled when he came to Ramu NiCo, he felt that it was a very good opportunity for him to advance his working experience.

Ajai was sent to Ramu NiCo’s Basamuk refinery in Raicoast district to work at the Power Plant where he is working as an electrical and motor engineer. Every day he is heavily involved in testing motors and finding faults and fixing them.

He has done a lot of technical work lately especially power installations of several accommodation buildings in Ramu NiCo which he took pride in.

Ajaih stalled power to the recently constructed buildings labeled H1 and H2.

“When I am doing a lot of technical work, I feel that it is my opportunity to step up in my working career, so I am happy that I am working with Ramu NiCo” Ajai said.

“I have learned a lot of new things regarding technical competency from the Chinese technical team when working at Ramu NiCo” Ajai said.

He has expressed his gratitude to Ramu NiCo. Ajai started after finishing his two years of the Graduate Development Scheme (GDS), he would remain working there if Ramu Nico wanted him to stay back.

“I was happy when I got accepted for the GDS for Ramu NiCo so I have to give back to Ramu NiCo,” Ajai spoke proudly. “GDP is a program where the company is investing in us so we will have to give back to the company and Ramu Nico was a company that showed its interest in me when I do not have much experience.”

His words of encouragement to those who have already graduated and are still applying for a job, were to “continue applying and never give up.

“If you can start somewhere small, then do so and build your way up,” Ajai advised.

“If you can start small and move your way up, then you can be in a better position to apply your skills and knowledge to the position that is offered to you,” he added.

“So do not stop, keep on applying, keep on job hunting, do not stop,” he concluded.