224 Solomon Islanders Graduate With Australian Short Course Qualifications

Another 224 Solomon Islanders have received Australian-accredited qualifications under the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, strengthening the country’s workforce and economic development.

Of these graduates, 147 completed hospitality, customer care and coffee barista training, and another 77 graduated with certificates in general construction, gaining essential skills for Solomon Islands growing infrastructure project pipeline.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia’s support to skills training was a key part of Australia’s growing economic partnership with Solomon Islands.

“As a longstanding partner in education and skills delivery, Australia is dedicated to delivering training that equips Solomon Islanders with the skills they need to secure jobs so they can contribute even more to their communities,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

In his keynote address, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Tozen Leokana commended the female graduates as an inspiration for women and girls in the Solomon Islands to pursue non-traditional courses.

“Through the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership and our collective support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, we encourage more women to pursue fields dominated by men,” Minister Leokana said.

“This investment in skills development is crucial for building a prosperous future for Solomon Islands.”

High Commissioner Hilton acknowledge the Minister’s ongoing dedication and work with Australia to invest in skills and the broader education sector.

“We share the same belief that skills development is fundamental to unlocking the potential of every Solomon Islander to secure a job, which is the cornerstone driving economic growth.”