Outreach by SITESA Board to strengthen TVET in Western Province

The Board of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) in May embarked on an outreach activity to several rural training centres in Western Province.

Supported by the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership – Pacific Australia Skills, the mission reinforced a commitment to improving access to quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The outreach activity enabled SITESA Board members, Education Provider representatives from the Seventh Adventist Church and the United Church, staff of SITESA and members of the Pacific Australia Skills team, to engage directly with training institutions and industry across Western Province.

The delegation visited Batuna Adventist Vocational School, Seghe Rural Training Centre, Tabaka Technical Institute, Soltuna Limited, and the Western Provincial Government.

Western Province Premier Hon. Billy Veo welcomed the engagement, reaffirming the province’s commitment to skills development as a key driver of economic growth and opportunity.

“Technical and vocational education and training is a priority under our provincial strategy. Strengthening collaboration with SITESA and TVET partners ensures our young people can access quality training that leads to real opportunities,” Premier Veo said.

SITESA Board Member and Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau said the visit reflects a coordinated effort to strengthen systems that deliver practical outcomes for Solomon Islanders.

“This engagement is about strengthening governance and oversight of our country’s skills sector, increasing the visibility of TVET, and ensuring that skills training leads to employment, enterprise and community development,” Dr Aqorau said.

At the institutional level, training providers highlighted the importance of continued support for rural centres.

Tabaka Technical Institute Principal Mr Lawrence Joash said the visit reflects the vital role these institutions play in supporting communities.

“We acknowledge the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of Australia for their continued support. Tabaka RTC offers trainings that respond to community and industry needs in our area and our students come from near and far to live and study with us.”

“Hosting the leadership and Board of SITESA will really help to achieve meaningful opportunities for our people as they will benefit from a national skills training system that reflects their aspirations for gainful employment as well as the industry context of Western Province and the country,” Mr Joash said.

SITESA Chief Executive Officer Ms Constance Nasi said the visit provided an important opportunity for the Board to hear directly from training providers and industry partners.

“Engaging directly with rural training centres as well as the industries and employers around them ensures that the Board when it is making decisions regarding skills development in the country, firstly has some knowledge of the schools and their operating context and that their courses are aligned with the local employment situation,” Ms Nasi said.

“It also provided an opportunity for the SITESA Board to gain firsthand insight into SITESA quality assurance reviews of rural training centres. We are very happy to have the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership-Pacific Australia Skills support this important mission for the Board.”

The delegation also shared information on Solomon Islands Government Scholarships, supporting pathways for rural students to access further education and training opportunities.