Six students in the Solomon Islands have completed a forklift training course under an Australian Government-funded scheme designed to prepare them for work in Australia.

The students were selected from a work-ready pool of adults to undergo the training in Honiara as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. 

The training is a joint initiative of the Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) and the Australian Government, and is the first of its kind under the regional PALM scheme program.

The training was delivered by local company Hastings Deering and was designed to upskill workers prior to their departure for Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, said the skills training was part of Australia’s support under the PALM scheme.

“This training not only directly benefits PALM scheme workers and increases their employment options in Australia, it also boosts their employment prospects when they return home,” High Commissioner Hilton says.

One of the students to complete their training was Delphia Nuatali Palmer, one of three females in the cohort who were chosen based on specific criteria, including their English language and driving skills.

“I am very privileged to participate in this forklift training and now feel confident to operate a forklift,” Nuatali Palmer says. “As a woman with this skill, it gives me confidence as it will allow me to access more economic opportunities.”

In total, 36 PALM Scheme workers will complete the week-long forklift operator training course which is recognised under the Australian standard of safety rules and regulations.