Thirteen team leaders with Exodus Trade and Development have completed on-the-job training in project planning and construction management while working on the Malu'u Market redevelopment in North Malaita, the Australian High Commission said.
The training was delivered through a series of onsite workshops combining classroom learning with hands-on activities, allowing participants to apply new techniques directly to their daily work.
The sessions focused on how work is organised, communicated and delivered on site, including project planning, daily scheduling, toolbox meetings, quality management and procurement planning.
According to the release, the new skills will help the team plan better, work together more effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said investing in workforce development at the same time as delivering infrastructure would leave a legacy that continues to benefit Solomon Islands.
"By investing in practical skills like planning, scheduling and quality management, we're helping Solomon Islanders take the lead in delivering infrastructure projects on time, on budget and to a high standard," High Commissioner Roach said.
Linken Filiteku of Exodus said the training provided practical tools that could be applied immediately, helping the team plan work, work together and deal with problems early.
The Malu'u Market is designed to support economic activity in North Malaita, with space for up to 140 vendors, and toilets and shower facilities for men, women and people with disabilities.
The project is 20 per cent complete, with the seawall and concrete pillars in place and foundations proceeding on the amenities building, the high commission said.
The market will also include 43,000 litres of rainwater storage, solar lighting, and improved waste management and sanitation.
The project has employed 44 workers to date, including 32 from the local community, and has supported a number of community initiatives around Malu'u.
The training was delivered by Capacity Development Adviser David Craig, according to the release. The high commission said the market is being delivered entirely by local companies employing local workers, under Australia's approach of using local contractors for most of its infrastructure investments.