THE Member of Parliament (MP) for West New Georgia, George Temahua has encouraged 102 apprentices, who enrolled for the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for Apprenticeship National Training (NAT) program, to make use of the opportunity because they are the fortunate ones for having secured government sponsorship.
He made the encouragement at a ceremony to mark the reopening of NAT program at the SINU Kukum Lecture Theatre in East Honiara on Tuesday.
“I would like to encourage all apprentices to seize this opportunity and actively participate in and take responsibility for the apprenticeship program.
“Taking ownership of the training program is crucial as it fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment towards personal and professional development.
“When you actively engage in the learning process, you are more likely to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge, thus maximizing the benefits of the program,” he told the apprentices.
MP Tema added that the ownership mentality will set the apprentices on a pathway to be self-motivated, resilient and adaptable, qualities that are essential for success in the dynamic and competitive industry environment.
SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau said, “as we celebrate the enrolment of 102 new apprentices into this program, we must express our profound gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government and the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labor and Immigration,” he said.
The support of SIG and MCILI manifests through coverage of tuition fees, safety wear, allowances and on-campus provisions for the l02 apprentices.
These new apprentices will be supported by SIG/MCILI with:
- Tuition fees ($6,000.00 per Apprentice per semester in 2024);
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) wears (2 sets of long pants, shirts and a pair of safety shore for each student);
- Fortnightly allowances ($640.00 per student);
- On campus lunch; and
- Preparation of practical spaces and monitoring the practical training in the industries (activity to be done after six months).
Professor Aqorau added this generous commitment lays the foundation for a thriving educational experience.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
