Through support from Australia, electrician Marywen Falea Siau is providing electricity to communities in Solomon Islands through sustainable projects.

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) student, who graduated with a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician in 2014, now works for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification. She has been putting her trade skills to use in communities, schools, and clinics across Solomon Islands.

Marywen is among 501 graduates who have completed the course through APTC with Australia’s support.

She is delighted that her hard work and dedication have paid off, and she is now even more motivated to excel in her field.

“I am glad to contribute to my communities through renewable energy projects by installing solar power systems in the rural and remote areas of the Solomon Islands,” Marywen said.

"I find my APTC qualification to be particularly relevant at this time, especially given the significant emphasis that is being placed on the transition to renewable energy. I am proud to be able to support my government, communities and fellow citizens by providing them with a more sustainable option for power.

“It is especially encouraging to see the faces of those in our rural communities light up when they have access to power."

Marywen acknowledges that pursuing a career in a male-dominated field can be challenging for women and girls, but they should not be discouraged from following their dreams.

"The challenge has motivated me to work smarter and deliver exceptional work when working on projects. It is crucial to have a resilient mindset, and if one is passionate about their work, in any field, they will persevere."

She encourages women and girls in her community to overcome limitations and persist in their education.

Marywen added that in the Solomon Islands, there are excellent opportunities for upskilling through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers that work closely with APTC.

"A career in trade can be very rewarding, and there are many possibilities and options to explore, and with determination, no matter your age or gender, you will achieve success in your field of work,” she added.

APTC is the Australian Government's largest TVET investment in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, working closely with local industries and national training providers to ensure the training provided to students meets domestic and international training needs.