Skills development needs to be a priority in the Pacific.

This was the resolve of a 15 month study of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the region, recently concluded by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), through the Japan Special Fund, the study reviewed TVET systems in the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The study found that the region suffers from a paradox when it comes to technical vocational skills, and while unemployment levels are high, Pacific Island Countries continue to import skilled workers from overseas to fill jobs which Pacific people do not have the skills or experience to perform.

Forum Secretary General, Greg Urwin, said concern for skills development is fuelled by increasing entrants to the region's labour market and a corresponding lack of necessary skills to viably contribute to the workforce.

"Skills development has become a pressing priority in the Pacific, recognised as a catalyst for worker productivity and national competitiveness in a global economy," Mr Urwin said.

The study found that emigration of skilled workers has also created shortages and gaps in the labour force of many Forum Island Countries.

"While recognising the diversity of the Pacific region and varied country priorities, it is nevertheless important to explore a constructive approach to this common predicament."

Mr Urwin added that priority initiatives for improving educational standards and technical and vocational skills relevant to job markets are identified within the auspices of the Pacific Plan, the region...’s guide to enhance and stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security for Pacific countries through regionalism.

Forum Secretariat Social Policy Adviser, Dr Helen Tavola, cited the example of surging numbers of youth with formal schooling, yet lacking in practical skills, as a factor for concern.

"TVET training is often considered second class by young people and their parents," remarked Dr Tavola. "At the same time, there are skills shortages in many areas in most Forum Island Countries."

A workshop was held in Nadi, Fiji, last month to discuss the TVET Study's findings with 20 representatives of technical-vocational education and training institutions, ministries of education, non-governmental organisations and Pacific private sector bodies from across the region.

Dr Tavola said: "The workshop reviewed a comprehensive synthesis report which will make major contributions to future TVET strategies and investments in the sector, including at a regional level." Forum Secretariat, 11/06/07