Twenty Women Gain Hands-On Skills in Solar Energy and Construction Through Australia-Backed Program.
Twenty women enrolled in the Green Construction Training Program are gaining practical skills in construction and solar photovoltaic system design, installation and maintenance. Australian High Commission staff Samantha Bell and Kate Chapman met the trail-blazing students at Solomon Islands National University, where the students are undertaking the month-long solar training component. The all-women cohort are being supported by Australia to learn practical skills that will help drive Solomon Islands’ transition to clean, green and cheaper solar electricity, including solar panel installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Kina Tabo, a student in the program, expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunity to learn trade skills. “This training has given me the technical knowledge and specialised skills to build, support and advocate in our communities to invest in clean renewable energy resources like solar energy”, Ms Tabo said.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is committed to advancing gender equality and renewable energy in Solomon Islands.
“From large, nation-building projects like the Tina River Hydro-electric scheme, to smaller capacity building and job creating programs like this ground-breaking Green Construction Training Program, we are supporting the modernisation of power generation and Solomon Islands’ construction industry. “Renewable energy is a critical building block for future growth, and it’s exciting to see women taking charge of this transformative industry. We salute these trail-blazing women, who are breaking down traditional ideas of what women can and cannot do for the economic development of their country and in an increasingly green economy,” Mr Hilton said. This is the second group to undertake the Green Construction Training Program, a partnership between Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, together with the Solomon Islands National University. Half of the first group have already found employment, including on Australian-funded infrastructure projects. Participants have already completed an 18-week Certificate II in Construction with APTC.
AHC
