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Solomon Islands Government Launches New Technical and Vocational Education and Training

The new TVET Policy was endorsed in 2025, and officially launched this week by Minister for Education, Hon Tozen Leokana.

A new skills policy will help focus national training efforts in line with the government’s commitment to creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) officially launched the new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy at St. Barnabas Hall, Honiara on 6 February 2026.

Endorsed by Cabinet in late 2025, the Solomon Islands TVET Policy focuses on enhancing quality training, improving access to training for all Solomon Islanders, and better alignment with national priorities and labour market needs.

Minister of Education, Hon. Tozen Leokana, launched the TVET Policy this week, appreciating the collaboration of his Ministry and TVET stakeholders to develop the policy.

In his official remarks, Minister for Education, Tozen Leokana, expressed that the TVET Policy was a collaborative, donor supported effort. He acknowledged the support from Australia and New Zealand to develop and launch this important Policy.

Under Australia’s long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands in the TVET sector, Australia engaged a technical advisor to assist with the development of the TVET Policy. 

Australia’s High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, assured the Ministry of Education and TVET sector leaders of Australia’s ongoing commitment to support implementation the Policy, among its broader support to stregthening the TVET sector.

Speaking at the official launch, the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, praised the leadership and dedication of Minister Leokana, Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie, and MEHRD officials for delivering a policy that will boost skills development and economic growth in Solomon Islands.

“Australia is focused on creating more jobs for Solomon Islanders, in Solomon Islands. The new TVET Policy provides a clear and coordinated framework for skills development, ensuring training meets labour market needs and creates pathways for Solomon Islanders to get jobs in industries such as tourism and construction,” Mr Roach said.

Australian High Commissioner, his Excellency Jeff Roach (right), congratulating Minister of Education, Hon Leokana (left) on launching the TVET Policy.

High Commissioner Roach reaffirmed Australia’s long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands in the TVET sector, highlighting Australia’s support through Pacific Australia Skills and Australia Skills Awards, which are helping thousands of Solomon Islanders gain industry-relevant skills.

Australia welcomed the launch as an important achievement under the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership and reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with MEHRD as the policy is implemented.

 [ENDS]

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  • Ronald Toito'ona

    Ronald Flier Toito’ona is a distinguished Solomon Islands Investigative journalist. He is part of In-depth Solomons, an investigative newsroom based in Honiara dedicated to transparency and accountability.

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