π’πˆππ” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 πŒπ‚πˆπ‹πˆ 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐚π₯ π€π©π©π«πžπ§π­π’πœπžπ¬π‘π’π© π“π«πšπ’π§π’π§π  (𝐍𝐀𝐓)

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 π‘πžπ₯𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
πŸπŸ”-πŸŽπŸ•-πŸπŸŽπŸπŸ’

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration (MCILI), is embarking on a transformative journey to elevate the standards of vocational training in the country with the reopening of the National Apprenticeship Training (NAT) programme.
Today, SINU and MCILI hosted a grand reopening event themed β€œBuilding Partnership to Enhance Quality Apprenticeship Training” at the SINU Kukum Lecture Theatre. This event marks the revival of the NAT programme, which has been on hiatus for the past five years.
The reopening of NAT will benefit 102 new students, who will undergo four years of training fully sponsored by MCILI. Speaking at the event, Hon. Harry Kuma, Minister of MCILI, emphasized the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT)’s commitment to supporting the initiative. He highlighted the historical context of NAT, which began in 1975 under the Honiara Technical Institute and evolved through the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education to its current form under SINU.
Minister Kuma announced plans to sponsor an additional 100 new students under the NAT programme in 2025. By the end of 2027, the country aims to produce over 100 skilled men and women, significantly contributing to national development. He stressed that NAT is a gateway to empowering individuals with skills and innovation, boosting economic growth. The Minister congratulated the first 102 students embarking on their studies in the second semester at SINU and encouraged them to commit to their studies and work experience.
Speaking during the reopening of NAT, the SINU Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Transform Aqorau thanked the national government through the MCILI for seeing it fit to reopen NAT which will greatly contribute to the manpower of the country.
Prof.Transform said SINU is dedicated to nurturing an educational ecosystem that seamlessly bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application. He said NAT programme’s harmonious blend of on-campus theory and off-campus practical training is a shining example of this approach.
β€œOur mission is to ensure that every apprentice emerges from this programme not just prepared but empowered to enter the workforce with confidence in their skills and capabilities”. He further stated that the new partnership is a milestone and a testament to stakeholders’ collective dedication and relentless hard work.β€œAs we gaze towards the future, my resolve is steadfast in establishing SINU TAFE. I am committed to collaborating with the Ministry, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC), all Rural Training Centres, and our Industries. Together, let us join hands to elevate our technical and vocational training to be among the best in the region, aspiring to the exemplary standards of Australia and New Zealand.”
Prof. Transform also shared exciting news that the Senate has given its resounding approval for the establishment of the current TVET Department, which was previously nestled under the Faculty of Science and Technology, as a standalone, autonomous entity. β€œThis pivotal moment, coinciding beautifully with the relaunch of the National Apprenticeship Programme, signifies a remarkable alignment of our aspirations and efforts. Henceforth, this entity will be proudly known as SINU TAFE.”
The SINU VC said the development is not merely a procedural change but a significant leap forward in our journey to provide specialised and focused vocational education, stating it positions SINU TAFE as a beacon of excellence in technical and vocational training, setting a new benchmark in the region.
β€œWith this newfound autonomy, we are poised to tailor our programmes more precisely to the evolving needs of our industries and communities, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of the education we offer.This strategic move heralds a new dawn for vocational training at SINU, one where we can fully harness our potential to cultivate skilled professionals who will drive the future prosperity of the Solomon Islands and beyond. I would like to make a heartfelt appeal to the Honourable Minister to champion our cause for fully equipping this programme with the latest, cutting-edge tools and technology. It is untenable to expect our apprentices to master 2024 methods with equipment that hails from a bygone era.”
β€œThe true strength of our partnership lies in recognising and addressing the urgent need to modernise our entire array of training resources.The SINU VC said securing this essential support, we will be able to arm our apprentices with the contemporary skills necessary to construct and propel the future of our nation. This critical investment in state-of-the-art equipment and technology will not only ensure that our graduates are proficient and skilled but also position them as formidable contenders on the global stage.It is through such forward-thinking investments that we can guarantee the competitiveness and excellence of our future workforce, thereby contributing significantly to the development and prosperity of the Solomon Islands.This reopening heralds a new era for SINU, where our commitment to continually enhancing our offerings takes center stage.We are not merely reopening a programme; we are embarking on a transformative journey to elevate the standards of vocational training in our nation.”
β€œBy 2025, with our planned yearly intake, we envision a robust pipeline of skilled graduates, each poised to significantly contribute to the development and prosperity of the Solomon Islands. As we move forward, I call upon all stakeholdersβ€”government bodies, industry partners, educators, and apprenticesβ€”to remain steadfast in our shared mission. Together, we have the power to build a sustainable and resilient workforce that will propel our nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future. Let us embrace this opportunity with unity and determination, knowing that our collaborative efforts will shape the destiny of the Solomon Islands for generations to come.”
β€œTo our new apprentices, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. You are the trailblazers of this revitalised programme, and your achievements will set the benchmark for future cohorts. Embrace this opportunity with unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm, knowing that you are an integral part of a transformative journey that will shape the future of our nation. In conclusion, let us celebrate this momentous occasion with the spirit of collaboration and commitment that has brought us here. Together, we are laying the cornerstone for a prosperous future, one that is built on the foundation of quality apprenticeship training and unwavering partnership.”
β€œAs the renowned philosopher Aristotle once said, “Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Let us embody this wisdom as we continue to work together to realise our vision for a skilled and empowered Solomon Islands workforce”, remarked Prof. Transform.
The reopening ceremony was witnessed by Chief Labour Officer James Gatu, Commissioner of Labour Brown Pwai, Chairman of Labour Atu Balekana, Member of Parliament for West New Geogia-Vonavona Constituency Hon.George Temahua, industry partners’ representatives, students and parents of the recipient students.
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