Australia is helping create jobs for Solomon Islanders through skills and training, with seventeen young Solomon Islander women recently receiving their Australian accredited Working in Aged Care Preparation Skill Set qualifications.
Graduates with this qualification can pursue health sector employment opportunities in Solomon Islands, or in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
This is the second cohort to complete the qualification under a collaborative training partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony Monika Betts, Second Secretary from the Australian High Commission in Honiara, said “Equipping young women with these skills exemplifies Australia’s commitment to creating jobs, promoting gender equality and supporting sustainable economic development in Solomon Islands.”
Christina Maoma, Director of the Labour Mobility Unit in the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) said these women are the backbone of communities.
“Their expertise will significantly improve the quality of care for our elderly, both here in Solomon Islands and potentially in Australia through the PALM scheme,” Mama said.
Abigail Chang, Country Director for the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Solomon Islands and Kiribati, acknowledged the valuable collaboration with MFAET’s Labour Mobility Unit.
“This program helps prepare individuals from MFAET’s work-ready pool with the introductory skills needed for the PALM scheme.
“The knowledge and skills gained by participants are essential for their personal and professional development, regardless of whether they choose to work locally or abroad.”
The qualification is part of the Aged Care Preparatory program, which is a joint initiative between Australia’s leading skills program in the Pacific and Timor Leste, the APTC, and the Solomon Islands MFAET.
This ongoing partnership provides Solomon Islanders with valuable knowledge, experience, and skills in technical and vocational fields.
To date, Australia has successfully trained 62 Solomon Islanders in the Aged Care Preparatory Skill Set program, preparing them for opportunities under the PALM scheme.
