53 Graduate with Construction Skills
Media release
53 women and men have graduated with TVET qualifications from Solomon Islands National University. The participants have been supported across three programs of construction and solar power study by Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, increasing industry capacity and the number of skilled women and men available for infrastructure projects.
In her keynote address, Executive Officer to the Pro Vice Chancellor, Ms Myralyn Komolo, said today marked the beginning of new opportunities for the course graduates.
“Your new skills will contribute to the success and sustainability of infrastructure development across the nation,” Ms Komolo said.
“To the 17 women completing the basic solar training course, you are the movers and shakers in green energy. Your work-ready skills position you to play a key role in Solomon Islands transition to renewal energy.”
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said the partnership with SINU was breaking new ground, providing women-only solar training, as well as upskilling men and women already working in the construction sector.
“A stronger, more diverse local construction industry is one that can bid, win and successfully manage Australian-supported infrastructure projects - because that’s our goal. More Solomon Islanders building Solomon Islands.”
Thirty-six participants from local industry completed short courses in Project Management in Construction and Quantity Surveying, and 17 women under Australia’s all-women Green Construction Training Program, who completed a one-month basic solar training course.
“We’re proud of the achievements of this new generation of industry-qualified women and men who are building Solomon Islands,” Mr Hilton said.
“We hope to see them on the construction sites of Australian-supported projects around the country soon – as some of this cohort already are.”
This is the second year Australia has partnered with the Solomon Islands National University TVET program to deliver industry training, and based on positive industry feedback, it was likely to continue next year.
Managing Director of Exodus Trade Development, Mr Jeremiah Fono’ota, commended Australia on its approach to supporting human resource development in the infrastructure sector.
“Investing in human resources is the right approach for investing in Solomon Islands infrastructure,” Mr Fono’ota said. “We are here to stay, and we are the foundation for anything that is built in Solomon Islands.”
Green Construction Training Program representative, Ms Kinateao Kabiri Tabo, made an emotional speech, recognising the efforts of trainers in providing a range of practical construction and solar power system skills to her group.
“We’ve all learnt so much through this program, skills which will be useful in the workplace and at home,” Ms Tabo said.
“More and more villages without access to electricity are turning to solar power – which is also a cheap source of power. Now we can offer some assistance when needed.”
High Commissioner Hiton said Australia, through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program and other programs, was working hard with both government and industry to build the capacity of Solomon Islands to plan, finance, build and maintain priority infrastructure across the country.
“Through this and other programs, Australia has supported over 14,700 Solomon Islanders into paid work – and that is a major boost to families and local economies across the country.”
