Skills boost for PALM workers

Australia is partnering with the Solomon Islands Government to deliver skills and jobs for Solomon Islanders, including in the meat processing sector.

Under a partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), 36 Solomon Islanders recently completed their Introduction to Meat Processing training in Honiara.

The training provided by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) will enable these men and women to seek jobs in the Australian meat industry under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, emphasised Australia’s commitment to preparing Solomon Islanders for work in Australia under the PALM scheme.

He said, “the training is critical to equipping young people with the right skills. By providing specialised training in the meat industry, we are helping to build a resilient and capable workforce to create positive change for both the individuals and Solomon Islands.” 

To date, Australia has delivered meat processing training to over 1,200 Solomon Islanders, who have gone on to work in Australia under the PALM scheme.

Director of the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), MFAET, Christina Maoma, highlighted the pivotal role of this training in empowering young Solomon Islanders for success in Australia’s meat industry.

“This extraordinary partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia is a beacon of hope for our nation’s youth. By equipping these young men and women with in-demand skills, we are not just opening doors to individual prosperity but forging a pathway to sustainable economic growth for the Solomon Islands,”

Christina Maoma

Director LMU, MFAET

Training participant, Anthony Alson from Guadalcanal was excited to accept his APTC certificate. He said, “This training has been a game-changer. My acquired skills have instilled the confidence to excel in my new role. I am immensely grateful to APTC for this life-changing experience.”

Workers have departed for Australia for work.