First Four Vanuatu Women to Join Australian Sewing Industry

Jul 23, 2024 | Careers and Finance, Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

Four talented Vanuatu women will be travelling to Australia today to join the sewing industry in Australia, making the first recruitment since the establishment of Vanuatu Foreign Workers to Australia.

Nancy Jacob, Jobs Australia Country Officer in Vanuatu, who recruited the four women, told Daily Post that the four mothers will be part of the sewing industry in New South Wales, since the industry wanted to recruit some mothers from Vanuatu who are qualified in sewing and other specific areas.

“An advertisement was issued in the media, and ten mothers filled out the application forms with Jobs Australia Vanuatu. When the selection process was completed, the first four mothers were chosen,” she shared.

“Their selection was based on their skills and experience, and they will also receive further training there. It is advantageous that they already possess qualities that can lead to mastering other sewing patterns.

“I am very proud of these four mothers and feel fortunate to have them, as they are experienced, have different designs, and have engaged with the public through Facebook. They also possess many skills beyond sewing.

“Once they arrive in the industry in Australia and demonstrate their skills, I am confident that the host will request more workers from Vanuatu. I look forward to seeing other mothers who are standing by get their chance. We have informed them to wait until these four mothers establish themselves. I am sure the demand for sewing will increase.”

Mrs. Jacob would like to encourage others to continue sewing, as one never knows how their work in a small corner could lead to greater opportunities. She also said that the four women will work for four years, spending 11 months in Australia and one-month back home for holidays, repeating this cycle for the duration of their contract.

One of the four women, Emma Viramalolo from West Ambae, told Daily Post that she has been in the sewing business for 19 years now, and since 2020, she has been contracted with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) as a fashion trainer.

“Additionally, I am contracted with the Vanuatu Industry to train mothers in applying the qualities and criteria necessary for sewing skills. The experience we will gain from this program will help other mothers who have the opportunity to join in the future,” Viramalolo said.

“My goal after attending this program is to help other mothers in Vanuatu by providing training so they can enter the international fashion industry. I am excited to be one of the first Vanuatu women to take part in this program and feel very proud. Many mothers want to market their fashion internationally but don’t know how. As ambassadors of Vanuatu, we four mothers will help others to seize this opportunity.

“I want to encourage all mothers, especially single mothers, to pursue careers in the fashion and sewing industry, as there is a demand in Vanuatu,” she said.

Another woman, Rebekah Galomule, from West Ambae/Solomon Islands, stated that she takes sewing as a hobby and find it very interesting to be a tailor and to know how to sew.

“I love sewing because, as a mother looking after a home, it’s essential to know how to sew. Being a tailor can also help raise money to support the family. I started sewing in 1993, learning at home,” she said.

“Regarding this recruitment, Jobs Australia approached me in town and asked if I still sew. I said yes, and they asked if I had a valid passport, which I confirmed. They then informed me about a sewing industry opportunity in Australia.

“My expectation for working in Australia is to do my best and achieve my goals. The new environment, such as the weather, food, and other challenges, will be different, but I am determined to overcome them. As one of the first Vanuatu women selected for this field, we four are very happy and proud to have the privilege to represent our country.”

He concluded that in Vanuatu, the women have made significant progress in sewing, as she has seen young girls, mothers, and even older women improving their skills. She encourages them to be part of the program, as it can greatly benefit their families.

The four women are expected to depart Port Vila this afternoon, flying to Fiji then Australia.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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