Pentecost Island, Vanuatu: The first-ever Certificate I in Electrotechnology training was launched this week in Pentecost under the Vanuatu Green Transformation (VGET) Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Department of Energy of the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management.

The program marks a milestone in advancing sustainable energy in Vanuatu by building the skills of local communities to manage and maintain new renewable energy infrastructure such as the pico-hydro power stations that the project is building in Waterfall, Melsisi, and Larimaat communities on Pentecost Island. Together, the stations will directly benefit around 700 households (2,300+ residents) and indirectly support more than 6,000 people contributing directly to the Vanuatu’s National Energy Road Map, which targets universal renewable energy-based electrification by 2030.

The 41-day, 336-hour training, delivered in three intensive blocks, brings together 23 community participants, including four women, from across Pentecost Island to learn practical skills in electrical safety, wiring, solar applications, troubleshooting, and digital tools. The training is delivered and accredited by the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority, ensuring graduates are recognised as certified professionals in electrotechnology.

Yasin Berukilukilu, training facilitator from the Vanuatu Institute of Technology, said:

“We are very happy with the number of participants and the motivation shown. There are participants from all age ranges, and interestingly, the older ones seem even more motivated. We also have four female participants, which is very encouraging given that this type of work is usually male-dominated in Vanuatu. The inclusivity the VGET project aims deserves to be praised.”

One of the female participants from Nambwaraniut community in North Pentecost, Anika Hube, reflected: 

"I never thought I would join this kind of training, but now I feel confident. Electricity and renewable energy are not only for men. We, women, can also be part of our communities’ future.”

Imran Khan, Project Manager of the UNDP VGET Project under the Regional Green Transformation initiative, emphasised:

“This training is about more than technical skills, it is about empowering communities to take ownership of their clean energy future. By linking infrastructure with human capacity, we ensure that these pico-hydro stations remain sustainable, resilient, and community-driven for years to come.”

This training, hosted at Ranwadi College on Pentecost Island, also serves as a pilot for expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in schools, in maritime islands

The Vanuatu Institute of Technology, as the leading national TVET provider, is committed to broadening access to quality vocational training throughout the provinces. In line with the Ministry of Education and Training’s priorities under the Vanuatu Qualifications Framework and the National Human Resource Development Plan, Ranwadi has been identified as a strategic site to pilot TVET in schools due to its size, boarding facilities, and established reputation.

This pioneering approach positions Pentecost Island as a model for linking renewable energy, skills development, and education policy, ensuring that the next generation has the tools to sustain Vanuatu’s transition to clean energy.

For more information, please contact: 

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst - daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org