A Solomon Islands delegation representing key partners in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) undertook a study tour recently to TAFE Queensland, Australia. The study tour was facilitated by Australia through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
The objective of the tour was to enable TVET stakeholders, including representatives from the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Skills Authority (SITESA) and Rural Training Centre (RTCs), to experience firsthand about TAFE’s compliance processes and learn from representatives from the Australian TVET regulator, Australia Skills Authority Quality (ASQA).
The APTC Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati, Abigail Chang, emphasised the impact this opportunity would have on enhancing the workforce, employment outcomes, and people’s lives.
“Strong employment outcomes for TVET graduates depend on quality training,” she explained. “Compliance is key, and this visit allowed our partners to see it in action at TAFE Queensland.
As the largest skills training provider in Queensland, TAFE Queensland had valuable insights to share. “TAFE Queensland willingly showcased their compliance practices from policy development to the training space,” Ms Chang added.
Ms Chang is optimistic that the connections made during this visit will pave the way for a robust and internationally recognised national TVET system in the Solomon Islands, inspiring a brighter future for its workforce.
SITESA Director, Goldie John Lusi echoed this sentiment. “Meeting ASQA representatives was an eye-opener,” he said. “A strengthened compliance process promotes quality TVET and we will use these lessons to better serve our skills development sector.”
Batuna Adventist Vocational School Principal, Ibi Drelly, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the visit. “The knowledge exchange has been enriching, and we are eager to apply what we learned to strengthen our TVET systems.”
Mr Drelly stressed the importance of adapting their learning to the Solomon Islands context, ensuring a “competitive level of work” for graduates.
Australia, through APTC, works closely with a coalition of partners, including SITESA, national skills training providers, and industries, who are committed to providing high-quality TVET across the Solomon Islands. With a strong focus on skills development, these institutions aim to empower Solomon Islanders to gain skills through TVET and to foster sustainable growth and prosperity.