Seventy-seven Solomon Islanders have earned qualifications through Australia’s longstanding skills investment in Solomon Islands, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
The graduates, including 61 women and 16 men, join a network of over 8,600 Solomon Islanders who have benefited from APTC training, strengthening the nation’s human resources and contributing to economic development.
The graduates received qualifications in hospitality, individual support, tourism, and international skills training.
These newly acquired skills will boost Solomon Islands’ work force, positively contributing to the country’s National Development Strategy.
In his keynote address, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Tozen Leokana, said the graduates are poised to fill critical workforce gaps and contribute to a more robust and skilled economy by gaining skills in these key areas.
“These qualifications are not just personal victories; they are investments in the future of Solomon Islands,” Minister Leokana said.
“Your skills will fuel our economy and drive our development forward.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the transformative power of technical and vocational education lies in its ability to equip people with practical skills, creating a workforce ready to advance economic growth.
“As Solomon Islands’ number one economic partner, Australia is proud to support skills development across all provinces of Solomon Islands, which we have been doing through APTC since 2007, and we are still going strong,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Lynne Nuhi, Certificate II in Hospitality graduate, said her qualification from APTC has changed her life, providing her with the confidence to apply for jobs.
“This qualification has strengthened my expertise and confidence in the hospitality industry,” she said.
“I now apply my skills daily to enhance service quality at my workplace and I am determined to make a meaningful impact in Solomon Islands’ tourism and hospitality sector.”
- APTC
