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Graduates after receiving their certificates at the APTC Solomon Islands Graduation ceremony

Solomon Islanders gain skills through APTC

Oct 28, 2022

Australia supported the training of 88 Solomon Islanders in various technical and vocational programs delivered by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).

The achievements of 43 men and 45 women were celebrated today at the first in-person APTC graduation ceremony in Honiara since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The graduates received qualifications in four different technical and vocational programs such as Hospitality, Team Leader Skill Set, Leadership and Management and International Skills Training (IST).

Amongst the graduating cohort, 43 Solomon Islanders, including 39 from Solomon Islands’ Rural Training Centres (RTCs) were recognised for completing the IST program and gaining significant skills as trainers and assessors. This will help strengthen quality training delivery and ensure better alignment of TVET with the Solomon Islands Quality Standards.

In her keynote address, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Honourable Lanelle Tanangada congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to put their new skills and knowledge into practice within their workplaces and communities.

She stated that improving education including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a key priority for the Solomon Islands Government.

“The APTC plays a role in helping the Government achieve its goal of ensuring Solomon Islanders have access to education and receive the much-needed empowerment, skills and knowledge to gain meaningful employment,” Honourable Tanangada added.

She acknowledged APTC’s extensive collaboration with local partners for improved skills delivery for the Solomon Islands people, adding that through such relationships, efforts can be amplified and results are more inclusive and beneficial to everyone.

In her closing remarks, Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands, Sally-Anne Vincent, commended the graduates, including women for their efforts in completing their studies.

“Australia is proud to be empowering women in the Solomon Islands to participate fully in the workforce.”

“We want the best possible employment outcomes for graduates like you in the region. This is why APTC focuses on creating pathways from your newfound skills to employment so that you will have access to national labour markets and take advantage of opportunities in regional labour markets, such as Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme,” she added.

This year, Australia supported 495 Solomon Islanders, including 35 women, to undertake the ‘Introduction to Meatworks’ training with APTC. These workers have been mobilised to work in Australia within the meat processing sector.

As part of Australia’s increased investment in TVET in the Solomon Islands, APTC has been supporting national skills training providers to deliver pilot national skills packages and is working together with the Ministry of Education and the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Skills Authority to strengthen TVET sector development and regulation.

The new graduates join more than 18,000 alumni, including over 2200 Solomon Islanders trained by APTC.

APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

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