KTSS STUDENTS GET FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE IN AVIATION ENGINEERING AT TOKUA AIRPORT

Science students of Kokopo Technical Secondary School (KTSS) were given a rare opportunity this week to see how aircraft engineers work in the field.

A class of Grade 12 students took part in an excursion to Tokua Airport, where a team of local aircraft engineers were conducting engine maintenance on one of Air Niugini’s (ANG) Fokker 70 aircraft.

Engineers mentor future aviators.

Team leader and licensed aircraft maintenance engineer Chuck Matane described the students’ visit as humbling and a privilege for him and his team.

Mr. Matane said the maintenance exercise was only the second of its kind carried out outside Port Moresby this year.

“But this time around, we were privileged and humbled to have students witness what we were doing. We gave them a pep talk on their career pathway, and a tour of the aircraft, from the cockpit to the cabin,” he said.

Mr. Matane said it was encouraging to meet young people interested in furthering their education in the field, despite the challenges facing the country today.

“Basically, it’s not an easy path, but it’s a very rewarding career,” he said.

STEM education in focus.

The visit aligns with the government’s push for STEM education in schools.

STEM combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics into one practical learning approach. The STEM education program was rolled out in PNG in 2021, a year after the National Schools of Excellence Policy was introduced.