DILI - Congratulations to the 30 TVET trainers who graduate from a 12 month English language training course today. They come from 20 training centres, across 10 municipalities.  

The trainers completed courses in Certificates I to III in General English and English Teaching Methodology. They have improved their English language skills and teaching methods to meet nationally accredited standards. 

The training was delivered by Australia’s Workforce Development Program Timor-Leste in association with INDMO and the English Language Centre at UNTL.

Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Peter Roberts said ‘Better English skills for TVET trainers build important workforce skills in Timor-Leste. This will help more young people be work ready for jobs in the public and private sectors.’

The trainers will use their new English language skills while they teach subjects like agriculture, construction, administration and tourism. Demand for English skills is growing in the private sector, both locally and internationally, and within the Government of Timor-Leste. So it is vital for TVET trainers to have the skills to fast track their students’ English language knowledge.

The English Language Centre at UNTL is the only training provider accredited to deliver these courses. But the SOS for Youth and Labour, H.E. Nivio Leite Magalhães, is calling for other colleges to deliver the Certificates in General English, and English Teaching Methodology.

‘I am pleased to hear that English language training is now accredited under the national qualifications framework and that Centro Treinamento Integrado e Desenvolvimento in Baucau has recently submitted their application for accreditation. I urge other training providers, especially those whose trainers are graduating today, to take action to become accredited.’ said Magalhães.

Australia’s Workforce Development Program Timor-Leste is also delivering an in-service nationally accredited English Language teacher training program in Ermera and Aileu, for 57 high school teachers. They will graduate in November this year. (pr)