5 August 2022
The Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) at Henderson and Don Bosco Tetere Rural Training Centre (DBTC) were supported with vehicles, tools and equipment as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the Solomon Islands Skills Strengthening project.
The project is being implemented with seven national training providers to strengthen the national technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
The handover was part of Australia’s support to TVET in the Solomon Islands through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
Counsellor for Human Development at the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, Mr. Mika Kontiainen, presented the items to the DBTI Principal, Mr. Paul Daro, and DBTC representatives, Rector Fr. Robinson Parappilly and DB Tetere Principal, Fr. Bai Albesa.
Mr Kontiainen shared that Australia and Solomon Islands' longstanding partnership and common interests in the areas of education and training to support skills development through a strong TVET sector is vital for sustainable economic development as it builds workforce productivity, creates employment opportunities, and secures livelihoods.
“To complement our efforts in strengthening national training providers to meet the demand for quality TVET provision in the Solomon Islands, we are pleased to officially hand over vehicles, tools, and equipment. This will support DBTI in delivering the pilot national skills packages, such as the Certificate III in Hospitality, Certificate III in Automotive and Certificate III in Carpentry & Construction, and DBTCs Certificate III in Agribusiness program,” Mr. Kontiainen said.
Fr. Robinson of DBTC thanked the Australian Government and said the tractor, tools, and equipment would support both the theoretical and practical aspects of learning and development for students.
“This donation will help with the development of TVET for young people of Solomon Islands and will add value to the delivery of agriculture training,” he said.
DBTI Principal, Mr. Paul Daro conveyed the Institution’s appreciation for the support, saying that the tools and vehicle will enhance training delivery and mobility.
APTC and DBTI initially established a partnership in 2013. Since then, both parties have collaborated and exchanged expertise in common areas of interest, with DBTI students obtaining Australian qualifications in hospitality, carpentry, and capacity building of staff through joint professional development and training activities. DBRTC is a newer addition to APTC’s training provider partners.
APTC works closely with local industries and national training providers to ensure the training provided to students meets domestic and international training needs.
Since its establishment in 2007, APTC has trained more than 2,200 Solomon Islanders with vocational skills and qualifications.
Source: Press Release
Footnote.
About APTC:
APTC is a centre for training excellence providing Australian standard qualifications in various vocational areas. APTC programs are delivered by highly regarded, qualified trainers and are relevant and aligned with current and future career opportunities for graduates – careers where skilled employees are in high demand. As Australia’s flagship technical and vocational education and training investment in the region, APTC serves ten Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Nauru, Tuvalu, Tonga and Kiribati.
APTC is an Australian Government Initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
