A new cohort of Solomon Islanders have embarked on an internship program supported by the Australian Government to develop job skills and gain work experience through placements with local businesses and organisations.
A total of 15 interns were welcomed into the program during a ceremony in Honiara on Thursday 18 July 2024.
Facilitated by Pasifiki HR through Australia’s Strongim Bisnis initiative, the internships have been offered to people with disabilities, recent graduates from local universities including Solomon Islands National University, University of the South Pacific, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, and prospective and returning workers of the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility scheme.
Around 80 internships will be offered over 12 months, providing Solomon Islanders with invaluable work experience, skills development, and access to employment opportunities.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton congratulated the successful interns and wished them well ahead of their job placements.
“This internship program is part of Australia’s partnership with the Solomon Islands to support the country’s economic development priorities,” Hilton said.
“These internships aim to enhance the job skills and experience of Solomon Islanders, particularly youth and people with disability, so they can contribute to the country’s inclusive economic growth and prosperity.”
Solomon Islands’ recruitment and training agency, Pasifiki HR, is managing the comprehensive intern selection process and will provide ongoing assistance to both interns and hosts throughout the year.
Athena Pelipel, People Manager of Pasifiki HR, explained that this is the third phase of the internship program, following successful pilots initially available only to people with a disability.
This year, the program has also been expanded to include recent graduates and seasonal workers.
“This event highlights a common goal shared by all stakeholders involved. Together we are fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” Pelipel said.
Young graduates often lack job-seeking skills and work experience, which is compounded by hesitation from employers to provide on-the-job training.
To address this, Strongim Bisnis and Pasifiki HR have coordinated with local universities and training institutions to gather CVs and facilitate internship opportunities with interested organisations.
Steward Mane, General Manager of Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands said as the host organisations, being part of the internship demonstrates they value the current young generation and are glad to invest in the future assets of this country.
“Yes, people are looking for jobs but equally, employers are looking for good prospects as well,” Mane said.
“This initiative is a right step forward in shaping the employment landscape for our younger generation to move and drive the country forward.”
For many of these interns, it will be their first time in the workforce, offering insight into how businesses and organisations operate.
Joylin Otorara, HR Support Intern for Pasifiki HR spoke of the value of this internship initiative.
“Speaking from an intern’s perspective as a new graduate, the internship placements provide us with the right tools and training in building our confidence to perform in the real world,” Otorara said.