The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), in collaboration with Labtech International Ltd. and the Department of Education (DOE) in Papua New Guinea, conducted an Online In-Country Program on “Training of Trainers on Automotive Technology Using Virtual TVET.” A total of 25 TVET teachers and trainers participated in the online training from October 6 to 9, 2025 via Zoom.

The training program was designed to introduce TVET Learning Management System (LMS) and Virtual TVET Digital Learning Content, with integration into classroom learning and course management. The sessions also covered the introduction to automotive systems and aimed to develop the students’ knowledge and skills to more advanced studies.

During the opening ceremony, CPSC Director General Prof. (Dr.) Suresh K. Dhameja delivered his welcome remarks where he expressed his delight in engaging with Papua New Guinea with this online training. He noted that CPSC had not conducted training for the country in recent years and emphasized that this program marks a renewed collaboration in capacity-building for TVET professionals.



In presenting the overview of the training, Dr. Steven McKee, President of Labtech International Ltd., mentioned the importance of modernizing TVET through digital transformation to align with evolving industry demands and teaching innovations.


Meanwhile, Mr. Walipe Wingi, Deputy Secretary for Schools Directorate of the Department of Education (DOE), Papua New Guinea, welcomed participants to the country’s first virtual automotive technology training program. Mr. Wingi also thanked CPSC and Labtech for their support in providing tools and expertise for the training, which marks a major step in bringing digital learning to Papua New Guinea’s TVET sector.


The program was further graced by Ms. Joanne Waine, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in the Philippines, who served as the Chief Guest in the opening ceremony. In her recorded message, Ms. Waine thanked CPSC and Labtech for supporting Papua New Guinea’s efforts to upgrade teacher skills and promote digital learning in TVET. She also wished everyone a productive and meaningful training experience.

Mr. Brad Ker, Director of Digital Learning and General Manager of Labtech Academy (left photo) and Mr. Arnaud Delvaux, Labtech Technical Training Specialist (right photo) facilitate the online lectures

Throughout the program, the participants learned how to use Virtual TVET and LMS platform for course management. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, Director of Digital Learning and General Manager of Labtech Academy; and Mr. Arnaud Delvaux, Labtech Technical Training Specialist. The program guided the participants on how to incorporate digital tools and simulations into lesson planning to enhance both online and classroom teaching.

The four-day online training was concluded with a closing ceremony. Selected participants shared their learning experiences, highlighting their insights on transitioning from traditional classroom teaching to online learning and expressing their appreciation for introducing innovative methods in teaching automotive technology through virtual tools. Despite the connectivity issues and limited hands-on practice, the participants thanked the trainers for strengthening their digital and pedagogical skills.

In the closing remarks, Mr. Delvaux summarized the accomplishments during the program and encouraged the participants to continue applying what they learned from the training to strengthen institutional practices.






Furthermore, Prof. Naeem Yaqoob, CPSC Faculty Specialist, delivered his closing message, lauding PNG’s growing commitment to digital transformation in TVET. He expressed his gratitude to Labtech for continuously collaborating with CPSC and its member countries to be able to guide them toward digitalization of TVET systems.




Likewise, Ms. Jayne Habitein-Liriope, DOE Senior Coordinator of TVET Division, congratulated the participants for their dedication and commended the program organizers for delivering a well-structured and relevant training.





The successful completion of the online training reflected the shared mission of CPSC, Labtech, and PNG’s Department of Education to advance digital learning and innovation in TVET. The training marked an important step toward building a future-ready workforce for the country of PNG.