Australia is supporting skills development, training and jobs for Solomon Islanders.

Australia is proud to be delivering a new qualification in Honiara: the Certificate III in Individual Support (ageing). Starting in July this year, the first cohort of students will begin this Australian-standard training in aged care, to graduate with the full qualifications required to work in the Australian aged care sector.

The 24 students, including 19 women, will undertake four months of classroom-based training in Honiara, followed by two months of practical training in Fiji. This training is being delivered through Australia’s leading investment in skills in Solomon Islands, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).

To date, Australia has trained around 100 Solomon Islanders in Individual Support and the Aged Care short course to prepare them for work in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Now, with the full qualifications to be provided in Honiara for the first time, more Solomon Islanders will have the opportunity to undertake this training in the future.

Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, commended the students for undertaking the Aged Care training, an important skill set in local communities, and relevant to those Solomon Islanders seeking employment in the international job market including through Australia’s PALM scheme.

“Australia is committed to investing in quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that leads to better job opportunities for Solomon Islanders. Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands’ nambawan economic development partner, and we will continue to create more jobs, and improve access to job opportunities for Solomon Islanders.” he said. “I am pleased to be expanding Australia’s TVET training program to equip Solomon Islanders with in-demand skills, not only for their communities but also to open doors to employment opportunities abroad.” He added.

Nairy Maenu, from Lau Lagoon in the Malaita province, is excited to be part of the cohort. She is optimistic the course will equip her with relevant skills for employment opportunities in her community and abroad.

“I am incredibly grateful to Australia for the opportunity to undertake this course through the APTC. I look forward to gaining essential skills in aged care and open doors to work opportunities,” Nairy said.

“I also look forward to contributing to the wellbeing of our elderly community and positively impacting their lives,” she added.

APTC Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati, Abigail Chang, said delivering the internationally-recognised aged care course in Honiara for the first time marks a significant milestone.

”Equipping Solomon Islanders with these critical skills will enhance individual capabilities and contribute to its broader economic and social welfare”, she said.

APTC is the Australian Government’s largest skills investment in the Pacific, the program works closely with local government, industries and national training providers to ensure the training provided to students meets domestic and international needs.