One of the objectives of SIIP is to improve the capacity of the Solomon Islands Government and private sector to plan, prioritise, design, build and maintain good quality, inclusive, and safe infrastructure. In 2022, SIIP initiated the Workforce Skills Series to address part of this objective, with the aim of helping local companies overcome some of the barriers to tender and win Australian/SIIP-supported work.

This case study tracks the outcomes of the Workforce Skills Series which has delivered eight workshops across tender preparation, contract administration, health and safety, and environmental impact assessment to over 400 participants from 112 companies and organisations, representing an estimated 64 per cent of Solomon Islands construction industry.

Participants interviewed months after training reported an increased understanding of the requirements to meet DFAT (and other donors) contracts. Companies also reported increased understanding and practices of inclusion, the development of new workplace inclusion and safety policies, and increased environmental management which in some cases have led to winning more work. SIIP is now exploring additional capacity development approaches such as small group mentoring and opportunities to overcome gaps in specific technical skill sets.