Integrating skills training with community-based construction and resilience
Working with local training providers, and in collaboration with the Department of Water Resources and Public Works Department, the Skills for Infrastructure workstream is strengthening local capability to ‘build back better’ through disaster resilient infrastructure, as well as improve service delivery in rural areas.
Activities focus on the construction and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, working closely with Area Councils in line with the Government’s decentralisation strategy. A core approach is to integrate on-the-job accredited training (eg: Certificate II in Building Construction) in the building of critical community infrastructure, and reconstruction following environmental disasters.
Construction is also prioritised to support success in other works-streams – e.g.: building of handicraft hubs to support the creative industries sector and market houses/fish storage facilities in the agribusiness sector.
Another aim is to increase the growth of local small businesses and contractors in the construction and WASH sectors, including supporting graduates to become affiliated trainers with registered training providers, and to establish professional associations and companies.
Story of change – Tafea
The construction of the Tafea Creative Industry and Cultural Market Hub was completed through on-the-job training as part of the delivery of Certificate II in Building Construction by the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT), facilitated through the Tafea Skills Centre.
A multi-partner collaboration was established comprising the Department of Industry, Nikoletan Council of Chiefs, surrounding communities and the Public Works Department. The Department of Industry contributed VUV 2M towards building materials and the Public Works Department provided free transportation of materials to the construction site.
A local construction company, Young Sons Building Construction Company, was engaged to provide coaching and mentoring to trainees as part of the on-the-job training delivery. VIT trainers supported the local company to ensure the building met all quality standards and safety requirements.
Additionally, trainee graduates have gone on to register and start their own company called ‘Tafea Youngsters Bargain Construction’.