About Us
Brief Background & History
The Timber and Forestry Training College (TFTC) was established in 1977 as a bilateral aid project between the Governments of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand. The college commenced its formal training programs in 1978, with a focus on providing vocational, technical, and trade education specifically for the timber industry. It is the leading institution in its field and the only one of its kind in Papua New Guinea.
From its establishment until 1994, the college was known as the Timber Industry Training College (TITC) and was managed by the Department of Forests, which was the governing body responsible for forest-related matters in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, the college became an autonomous training division under the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, reflecting its expanded role and responsibilities within the country’s ‘educational system. At this time, it was also renamed the Timber and Forestry Training College (TFTC), a title that better reflects its broader scope of training in the forestry and timber industries. Throughout its history, the college has been at the forefront of developing the skills and competencies required by the timber industry, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the sector in Papua New Guinea. Introduction to its diploma program in 2024, the name (TFTC) has changed into Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Bumbu Campus.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision Statement
To provide effective, high standard, technical and professional training advice and assistance to Papua New Guineans and the Pacific region by promoting sustainability in domestic processing of forestry and timber products, and the sustainable forest resource management throughout the region.
Our Mission Statement
In aspiring to achieve this vision, the College shall pay particular attention to the human resource development and other developmental needs of Papua New Guinea and shall endeavor to achieve academic and professional excellence to meet those needs through technical and professional training, research and provision of service to the timber industry and the resource owners.
The Government policies relating to forestry and timber industry, training, and other policies to drive the economy of PNG, shall guide the provision of training at the Timber and Forestry Training College.
Achievements
The School of Forestry Bumbu Campus has recently reached several significant milestones that reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and growth within the University Academic Community. These achievements showcase the institution’s dedication to delivering high-quality education, fostering innovative research, and contributing to environmental sustainability. Below are two key achievements:
1. PNGUOT SEM Approval of ICT Network Extension to Bumbu Campus (2024-2025)
One of the most notable achievements for the School of Forestry Bumbu Campus was endorsed and approved by the University Senior Executive Management for the ICTs Milestone Project to extend the University network to Bumbu Campus. This initiative aims to integrate, upgrade, and improve all ICT services to create a more conducive learning environment for students and staff. As part of this project, Bumbu Campus will fully benefit from wired (LAN) and wireless intranet (WLAN) and internet services provided by the Papua New Guinea University Main Taraka Campus extension network. We extend our sincere appreciation to the PNG DataCo management and the team of engineers who, in partnership with Voltran Fiber and Power Line contractors, successfully completed the critical task of connecting fiber cables to the University’s Bumbu Campus. This collaboration has significantly enhanced the technological infrastructure of our Bumbu Campus and will support future growth and innovation.
2. Launch of the Diploma in Wood Processing and Manufacturing (DWPM) Program (2024)
Another key accomplishment is the launch of the Diploma in Wood Processing and Manufacturing (DWPM) program at the School of Forestry, Bumbu Campus. This new course program is a response to the growing demands of the timber and forestry industries and aligns with the Papua New Guinea government’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable downstream processing. The DWPM program reflects our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and meeting national and international industry needs.
The course development is guided by several key documents as follows:
- The Papua New Guinea University of Technology Strategic Plan (2020–2024)
- The Higher and Technical Education Strategic Implementation Plan (2017–2038)
- The National Skills Development Plan (2021–2025)
- Papua New Guinea Vision 2050
- PNGFA Summary Retreat Report (2017)
- PNGFA Forest Summit Report (2019)
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2016)
This program supports the Papua New Guinea University’s of Technology strategic plan and also provides students with the potential for employment in both private and public sector organizations and further academic opportunities. The development and implementation of this program would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and dedication of numerous academic staff members.
Faculty of Natural Resources
School of Forestry – Bumbu Campus
Our program, Diploma in Wood Processing and Manufacturing (DWPM), at the University’s Bumbu Campus, is thoughtfully designed to equip graduates with high-quality skills and competencies in the field of forestry. This program aims to train skilled professional technicians who are prepared to meet the demands of the wood processing and manufacturing industries.
It serves as a foundational pathway for students seeking to advance into the University’s Undergraduate Forestry Program at the Main Taraka Campus.
The program places a strong emphasis on preparing graduates for both local and international job markets, ensuring that they are well-equipped to contribute to the dynamic wood processing and manufacturing sectors. Given the growing importance of these industries, particularly in light of the government’s recent policy shift to ban round log exports and promote onshore downstream processing, there is a clear and pressing demand for graduates who are well-prepared to support these initiatives.