Australia has launched a driver training program for local women participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which is helping work-ready women land jobs in Australia.
Under the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership, Australia is supporting local driving school, Solomon Islands Professional Driver Training Services (SIPDTS), to upskill more women in the PALM scheme.
With women only making up 17 per cent of PALM participants from Solomon Islands, the course aims to increase female participation by opening up job opportunities where driving skills are needed.
The driver training was piloted in 2024 following consultations with the Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Unit and demands from employers for more female workers.
A total of 72 female PALM participants completed driver training in 2024, with 13 already working in Australia.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, has announced Australia will support a further 75 women to undertake the driving course in the first half of 2025.
“Australia is helping Solomon Islanders to gain the skills they need to find a job and raise their income,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“Australia’s support for women aligns with our broader efforts to strengthen Solomon Islands’ workforce and enhance women’s access to economic opportunities.”
“We want to ensure women gain skills that will not only help them get work now, but will continue to benefit them throughout their lives.”
SIPDTS Director Joyce Lelau said having a driver’s licence was very important for women to support themselves financially.
“Women can miss out on jobs because they can’t drive,” Ms Lelau said.
“This partnership is very important to upskill and increase their chances of getting jobs in Australia, as well as ensuring they will be driving safely when working there.”
“It gives women independence, and it gives me great satisfaction to see women working under PALM practice safe driving.”
Prudence Bokelema, who is part of the first cohort of women undertaking the driver training this year, shared her appreciation for the course.
“I find the training very exciting and helpful, having experienced instructors providing guidance on safety, road rules and other essential skills required to be a professional driver,” Ms Bokelema said.
With over 8,500 Solomon Islanders participating in the PALM scheme to date, initiatives such as the driver training will support further growth in numbers.
Australia is proud to have created over 27,300 jobs since 2021, in Solomon Islands and for Solomon Islanders.
– AHC
