Sustained engagement in Nauru builds local training capability

The work strengthens local training systems and supports long term workforce development. The results of this initiative really show the value of partnerships built for continuity rather than short term delivery.

Following the conclusion of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) program in March 2025, Pacific partners required stability and local capability to avoid skills gaps. In Nauru, vocational education faced a clear risk - without local trainers, training quality and participation relied on external delivery models.

TAFE Queensland shifted its Pacific engagement to focus on building local educator capability. In Nauru, this approach included the International Trainer and Assessor Program and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) for vocational trainers. The team also supported secondary schools through a Pacific based trainer model. The focus remained on equipping local educators to deliver competency-based training across priority trade and industry areas.

The outcomes are clear and measurable. Eleven Nauru trainers and education professionals completed the TAE40122 qualification on 20 February 2026 (pictured below). They became the first cohort in the Pacific to complete this qualification through TAFE Queensland. Fifteen participants completed Level 1 of the International Trainer and Assessor Program in December. All participants are progressing through Levels 2 and 3, with full completion expected by mid-2026. Together, these programs create a sustainable pipeline of locally based vocational educators.

Strong results also emerged at the secondary school level. Forty-one Year 12 students completed Certificate II qualifications in construction, electrotechnology, hospitality, automotive, plumbing, and engineering. Forty students completed Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (CPCWHS1001). These results represent a significant uplift compared to previous years and reflect improved access to quality training.

The broader impact extends beyond Nauru. The Pacific based trainer model proves effective in building skills locally with local educators. Across the region, recognition of TAFE Queensland International Education continues to grow. The work strengthens partnerships, supports workforce development, and reinforces TAFE Queensland’s role as a trusted long-term partner.