Eleven young Solomon Islanders celebrated their success as they graduated from the Junior Professional Program (JPP); an Australian-funded initiative designed to build the next generation of ICT and cyber professionals and strengthen the country’s digital future.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) ICT Services Office, marked the completion of the program’s third cohort.
Australia has invested SBD1.66 million over two years in the JPP, which is providing hands-on training and real-world experience and creating a pipeline of skilled professionals for both public and private sectors.
“The hard work and dedication of the eleven graduates has paid off, and as they go out into the ICT workforce, their skills and enthusiasm will help Solomon Islands achieve its goals of digital transformation and economic development,” Acting Australian High Commissioner Mr Andrew Schloeffel said.
The program is already delivering results. Three graduates have secured employment with Our Telekom, while past participants are working at SIG ICT Services, SIG Customs, Solomon Islands National University, and other key institutions. By the end of 2025, up to 30 young Solomon Islanders are expected to benefit from the program, with another cohort scheduled for training later this year.
The partnership is also supporting SIG to establish a sustainable pathway for the program beyond 2025, ensuring continued opportunities for young ICT professionals.
“In partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, the JPP is giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential and create a bright future for themselves and the country,” Mr Schloeffel said of the program.
Australia is also helping to build cyber security capacity and supporting the development of ICT infrastructure, including a brand-new disaster recovery data centre due to open in Noro later this month.
“Australia is Solomon Islands’ nambawan ICT and cyber security partner, and we take that role very seriously,” Mr Schloeffel said. “We are proud to be working every day with SIG ICT Services to help build the infrastructure, skills and capacity needed to harness the technological benefits of this new digital era.”
