Steamships Welcomes 2026 Graduate Cohort and Celebrates Recent Graduates
19 February 2026
Continuing its commitment to developing local talent, Steamships is delighted to commence its 2026 Graduate Development Program (GDP), welcoming nine new graduates into the program while also celebrating the successful completion of the program by the 2022 cohort.
image: The nine new intakes who make up the 2026 Cohort for the Steamships Graduate Development Program.
Managing Director of Steamships, Chris Daniells, said, “We are pleased to welcome the 2026 GDP cohort to Steamships and equally proud to congratulate our 2022 graduates on successfully completing the program. Their progression reflects the strength of the program and our continued investment in growing local talent for the future.”
In the first week of February, new graduates completed a week‑long induction program designed to immerse them in Steamships’ culture, values and operations, while laying a strong foundation for their professional development. As part of the induction, the cohort also did site visits across the Logistics, Hospitality and Properties divisions, gaining practical insight into the Group’s diverse businesses and meeting key personnel.
image: Gabriel Junnie (left) from the 2022 GDP cohort accepts his graduation certificate from Tracy Wafewa (righ) – Talent & Learning Resource Centre Manager. Gabriel joins Steamships Logistics Division Landside Operations as Warehouse Supervisor.
Meanwhile, members of the 2022 GDP cohort, Gabriel Junnie and Kurere Matanzana, successfully completed the program and formally graduated last Friday. Both have since secured placements within the business, with Gabriel joining Steamships Logistics Division Landside Operations as Warehouse Supervisor, and Kurere taking up the strategic role of Government & External Affairs Manager within Steamships Corporate Affairs, where they will continue to build their professional careers.
Since its inception in 2013, the Steamships GDP has continued to evolve to meet the needs of both the business and the broader workforce. The program now offers a comprehensive development framework, incorporating industry‑relevant certification training, structured mentoring from senior leaders and executives, hands‑on industrial experience through rigorous rotations across the Group, and targeted leadership and professional skills development.
Initiatives such as the GDP and various internal programs reflect Steamships ongoing commitment to equip, empower and promote Papua New Guineans across all levels of the organization. These programs align to Steamships Three-Year Training and Employment Plan (3YTEP) 2025-2028 approved by the National Training Council.