LocationsPentecost Island Celebrates Graduation of the First Certificate I in Electrotechnology Training Under Vanuatu Green Transformation Project
November 12, 2025
Pentecost Island, Vanuatu — This week, 23 participants, including four women, graduated from the first-ever Certificate I in Electrotechnology training delivered by the Vanuatu Institute of Technology in Pentecost Island under the Vanuatu Green Transformation (VGET) Project, with funding from the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Department of Energy of the Ministry of Climate Change.
The graduation marks a historic step forward in advancing local technical capacity to manage and sustain renewable energy systems, particularly the new pico-hydro power stations being constructed in Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat communities on Pentecost Island. Once commissioned in December 2025, these systems will supply clean and reliable electricity to approximately 700 households (2,300+ people) and indirectly benefit over 6,000 people, contributing to Vanuatu’s commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2030 as outlined in the National Energy Road Map (NERM). With this new class of local graduates, the project ensures the power stations are sustained by the very communities they serve.
The intensive 41-day / 336-hour training delivered over three learning blocks, equipped participants with practical skills in electrical safety, wiring, solar system applications, troubleshooting, and digital tools. The programme delivered by the Vanuatu Institute of Technology is fully accredited by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority (VQA), ensuring that graduates receive nationally recognized certification (EEET10219).
Crucially, this cohort of 23 certified technicians now forms the first dedicated local electrical workforce on the island. With skills covering household wiring, solar applications, and system troubleshooting, they are immediately available to provide services to their own and surrounding communities, including Waterfall, Melsisi, Larimaat, Loltong, and Nambwaranguit. This training directly creates vital employment opportunities and ensures these remote areas have access to a reliable, certified electrical service provider for the first time.
Ms. Sevina Wilkin from Nambwaranguit community, one of the female graduates, reflected on the personal and community significance of the achievement:
“Pico-hydro power stations are bringing energy to our communities and we, people from the community, including women have learnt now how to do and maintain the installations. Women can also participate in building our community’s future.”
A participant of the training after receiving the certificate.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Misel Sisi, Acting Director of the Department of Energy, emphasized the critical link between infrastructure and human capital:
“Today’s graduates represent the future of part of Pentecost´s energy independence. We are not only building hydro systems—we are supporting the local workforce that will sustain them. This achievement demonstrates that the green energy transition must be owned by communities themselves, and we are proud to see Pentecost leading this national effort.”
The Japanese First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, Mr. Munetoshi Ishida, offers the certificate to a participant.
On behalf of the Government of Japan, Mr. Munetoshi Ishida,First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu, , highlighted the commitment to resilient development:
“Japan is honored to support this grounding initiative. We are investing not only in technology but, most importantly, in the people who will maintain it for generations. This partnership builds long-term security.”
UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative, Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel presenting a certificate to one of the participants.
UNDP Pacific Resident Representative, Ms. Tuya Altangerel, commended the graduates for their perseverance and leadership:
“To our 23 graduates — including the four trailblazing women — you have made history. This certificate represents not just technical skill, but determination and vision. You are now custodians of Vanuatu’s clean energy future. Your success proves that the most powerful energy source in Vanuatu is its people.”
The training also serves as a pilot for expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into rural secondary schools, with Ranwadi College identified as a strategic site to model locally accessible green skills development.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst | UNDP Pacific Office| (E) daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org
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