Dr Aqorau Urges Mindset Shift on TVET Among Solomon Islands Youth

Dr Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, has urged young people in Solomon Islands to rethink their perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as a critical pathway to employment, self-reliance, and national development.

Speaking to hundreds of students at Tabaka Technical Institute in the western province, Dr Aqorau delivered a message centred on skills, opportunity, and the future of the country’s workforce.

“Success is not defined by where you come from, but by the skills you develop and how you use them,” he said.

Returning to his home region of Roviana, Dr Aqorau said his visit was both personal and purposeful, connecting with students while representing the board of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), accompanied by staff from SITESA and Pacific Australia Skills.

He said such visits are important to ensure national leaders better understand how rural training centres are shaping the lives of young people, particularly in provinces.

Changing Perceptions of TVET

Dr Aqorau highlighted that one of the biggest challenges facing TVET in Solomon Islands is the perception among some youths that it is a “second option” compared to academic education.

Students of Tabaka Technical Institute listen attentively during a presentation by Dr Transform Aqorau on skills training and future opportunities.

“TVET is not second. It is essential,” he said. “Institutions like Tabaka are at the heart of our country’s future.”

He emphasised that TVET equips students with practical, job-ready skills that directly respond to labour market demands, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, mechanics, tourism, and hospitality.

Building Skills for Employment and Beyond

Dr Aqorau encouraged students to take pride in their training, noting that the skills gained at rural training centres can lead to real employment opportunities both locally and abroad.

He also stressed the importance of “global employability skills,” including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

“These are the skills that will take you beyond your village, beyond Solomon Islands, and into opportunities across the Pacific and the world,” he said.

Strengthening Pathways and Opportunities

The visit also highlighted ongoing efforts by SITESA to strengthen the quality, recognition, and accessibility of TVET across the country.

Dr Aqorau said improving infrastructure, supporting trainers, and aligning training programs with industry needs remain key priorities.

He further noted the importance of building pathways between TVET and higher education, enabling students from rural training centres to progress to institutions such as SINU.

“We want to see students move forward from training to further education, to employment, and into leadership,” he said.

Recognising Challenges and Commitment

Dr Aqorau acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by rural training centres, including limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and staffing needs.

He said these realities highlight the importance of continued investment and stronger partnerships between government, institutions, and development partners.

“We must see, hear, and understand what is happening on the ground if we are to build a system that truly supports our young people,” he said.

Investing in the Future

Dr Aqorau also paid tribute to trainers and staff, describing their work as critical to nation-building.

“Every skill passed on to a student contributes to the future of this country,” he said.

For students at Tabaka Technical Institute, the visit reinforced the value of their training and the opportunities it can create.

Tabaka students.

As Solomon Islands continues to strengthen its skills development sector, TVET is increasingly recognised as a key driver of economic growth and community resilience.

“The future of Solomon Islands is in the hands of its young people,” Dr Aqorau said. “And those hands must be skilled.”