Australia Support Young Solomon Islanders in the Service Economy

Australia is upskilling more Solomon Islanders to secure more expertise in securing a job in the country’s growing service economy.   

Trainings delivered by Pacific Australia Skills for twenty-six young people from across different local businesses gained new customer care skills. The participants from Bulk Shop, the Manusuta Women’s Association, networks from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, and Honiara City Council’s Youth Development Division and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) members.

Women completing the Customer Care Service training supported by Australia.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jeff Roach, said upskilling with more practical skills and expertise was central to the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership’s work with young people and Indigenous businesses. 

“Australia is prioritising the roll out of skills and training for more Solomon Islanders, particularly women and young people. This means more Solomon Islands are job-ready and leads to more inclusive workplaces” High Commissioner Roach said.

The training was in response to workforce gaps identified by Indigenous businesses across Solomon Islands. It focused on practical, real-life workplace scenarios, customer engagement, complaint management, and professional behaviour in service environments.

Participants who have completed the Customer Care workshop delivered by Pacific Australia Skills through support from Solomon Islands Australia Partnership.

Participants reported increased confidence in handling customer interactions and applying structured approaches to service challenges in their workplaces. Ms Christina Auga from Manusuta Women's Association said the training helped her communicate more effectively with customers and colleagues.

“I learned a lot about communicating effectively with customers, and it really boosted my confidence,” she said.

Ms Elizabeth Hana from SICCI said the workshop highlighted valuable skills relevant to Solomon Islands.

“I am really looking forward to practising these new skills when I go back to my workplace,” she said.

Employees from Bulk Shop completing the Hospitality Drinks Preparation training.

The training reflects Australia’s increased investment in skills in Solomon Islands and follows Australia’s doubling of the TVET scholarships to 1500 in 2027 of investing in the brighter future for Solomon Islanders in gaining valuable skills that will meet labour market needs and contribute to the growth of the economy.