Naisen Nambahin wins TAFE Queensland ‘Educator of the Year’ Award

TAFE Queensland has recognised Naisen Nambahina as ‘Educator of the Year’.

Naisen is a licensed carpenter and a qualified trainer from Kubalia in East Sepik province who has contributed to training some 357 Carpentry graduates.  He joined the Australian Government initiative known as the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in 2013.

The TAFE Queensland Corporate Staff Award bestowed on Naisen recognises his dedication to teaching and passing on his trade skills to his students.

For the past ten years, Naisen has been the head trainer leading the delivery of the Australian qualification Certificate III in Carpentry and has contributed to producing skilled carpenters for the labour market in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

“This award reflects the collective effort of APTC and TAFE Queensland. I am humbled and honoured by this recognition,” Naisen said.

“I will continue to empower my fellow countrymen and women with life-changing skills,” he added.

A highlight of Naisen’s success was the delivery of the Certificate II Construction program, which graduated 37 locals from Manus. These graduates were then able to meet the needs of local employers, including at the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus Province.

Australian High Commission’s Minister Counsellor, Penny Morton, commended Naisen for his commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training. 

“Trainers like Naisen play an important role in equipping students with the skills to take up decent work in Papua New Guinea, and we are proud that Naisen has been recognised for his hard work and dedication to skills training in PNG," Ms Morten said.

APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.