Congratulations to 10 (ten) industry coaches who have been trained by Tonga Skills to address the demand for coaching services in specialised areas across a range of industry sectors in Tonga’s business market.

These coaches were identified through their previous engagement with Tonga Skills, and invited to participate in two workshops that covered a series of 8 topics that explored the methodologies of business coaching.

To date, 50% of these industry coaches have registered their training programs and are recognized by the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board. Tongan businesses can directly engage the services of these trained coaches to develop the various  skills that they might require such as: basic financial literacy; customer service; occupational health and safety in construction; basic construction; leadership in business;  good governance; basic plumbing skills; fashion design and basic sewing; and, manufacturing of handicrafts.

The guest of honour for the ‘soft’ launch, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Training, Dr Tangikina Steen, presented the industry coaches with certificates of appreciation for the completion of the training program.

In an address, Dr. Steen acknowledged the Tonga Skills program and staff, “Two qualified Tonga Skills’ coaches Mr Lopeti Filo and Mr Rolf Huber are helping business owners to develop skills through coaching as well as other business development activities. They provide training and coaching activities to support local business owners and managers which in turn, supports the growth of small business enterprises and entrepreneurship. Sometimes there are particular needs or skills training that require a particular specialist. In those cases, they would like to recommend that business owners contact other suitable people and organisations that might be able to assist them.

These trained industry coaches are ready to engage with business owners and managers to support them in growing their skills and their businesses.”

Industry Coach Mrs Hu’ahulu Ha’unga (middle) shows Paula Taumoepeau and Dr Tangikina Steen of her manufacturing skills in handicraft production

The soft launch program was attended by key stakeholders from government ministries and individuals who represent Tonga’s industry sectors and business market. At the end of the program, guests were invited to view and interact with the industry coaches at a public display of their coaching service information.

From L-R front; Vika Fusimalohi, Dr Tangikina Steen, Sally Bannah, Tevita Pola’apau.
Back from L-R; Rolf Huber, Katrina Fatiaki, Lavinia Egbert, Hu’ahulu Ha’unga, Christopher Faka’utoki and Lopeti Filo

Trained Business Coaches

1. Lavinia Egbert, fashion designer and basic sewing
2. Hu’ahulu Ha’unga, Malava, handicraft production and design
3. Tevita Pola’apau, handicraft production and design
4. Vika Fusimalohi, Women Economic Empowerment Foundation (WEEF) – Financial literacy
5. Meleoni Uera, Matala Training & Learning Solutions (MTLS) – Financial literacy and employment skills
6. Katrina Ma’u Fatiaki, Tapuaki mei Langi Consultancy – Leadership, good governance and human rights
7. Sione Tukuafu, Willow Constructions – occupational health and safety, customer service, basic construction tools, basic financial literacy
8. Christopher Faka’utoki, CC Plumbing Solutions – basic plumbing skills
9. Linda Tu’ihalangingie, financial literacy
10. Taniela Taufalele, Taufalele Construction – general construction skills

 

Kasanita Holani (Australia Pacific Training Coalition), Katrina Fatiaki and Sonia Lea (Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industries)

Background
The goal of Tonga Skills is equitable access to quality-based and demand-driven skills development contributing to sustainable economic growth in Tonga. The Program seeks to achieve this goal through outputs and intermediate outcomes that lead to the intended End-of-Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

1. Enabling national policy and quality assurance systems and procedures
2. Improved supply of inclusive, flexible, demand-driven and quality assured skills development
3. The skills development activities supported by the Program are inclusive and good quality and deliver economic and other benefits and value for money.

 

 

Tonga skills is an initiative of the Australian Government for an inclusive economic growth for Tonga