Dili, August 25, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), through the National Directorate of Foreign Employment, held the launching ceremony of the PLMSP Scale-up project to ensure skills training for workers. The launch ceremony took place at the Suai Room, Timor Plaza, last Friday.
In an interview, the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, Rogerio Araújo Mendonça, explained that this launch was for the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Project (PLMSP Scale-up) in Timor-Leste, which supports programs within the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility framework. The initiative is aimed to enhance young people’s skills through training, thereby improving their knowledge in various service sectors.
“Through the launch of PLMSP Scale-up, we want to stress the importance of this project in developing the skills and competencies of our workers, preparing them to work overseas. Every year, we send our young people to work in Australia and Korea, but their skills and competencies are still very limited. This project will help strengthen and improve their professional and language skills before they depart for overseas employment,” said Secretary of State Rogerio Araújo Mendonça.
He added that every year Timorese youths are sent to work in sectors such as horticulture and agriculture. With this new launch, young workers will also have access to employment opportunities in Australia and Korea in sectors such as meat processing, elderly care, childcare, hospitality, and some even in culinary fields and Australia’s broader labor market. The training is designed to upgrade their knowledge and skills in preparation for these jobs.
“This launch provides a great advantage for us, as it facilitates our youths’ readiness to work across various sectors. With improved skills, when the government sends them abroad, they will be able to apply what they have learned through this training,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned that, regarding the preparation of young Timorese for hospitality work, the government is currently collaborating with training centers and partner institutions.
“We heard from the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste that the Australian labor market demands workers with high-quality skills. Therefore, we must strengthen our training centers to prepare trainers who can deliver the right materials for both young men and women, so they can enter the labor market with the quality required by Australia,” explained Secretary Mendonça.
He reaffirmed that the launch was also attended by Australian companies involved in recruitment for jobs in meat processing and culinary sectors.
Meanwhile, Australia’s representative in Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to deliver brief remarks at the official launch of PLMSP Scale-up, which aims to enhance service skills and facilitate workers with stronger knowledge in their fields.
“I am very grateful to see the opportunities within PLMSP Scale-up, which promise growth for Timor-Leste. This includes investment and ambition, as expressed by your Prime Minister last December. Today, we see concrete steps from those commitments through the launch of PLMSP Scale-up as a result of our collective efforts,” said Caitlin Wilson.
She stressed that strong skills and knowledge are essential for workers to fully benefit from these opportunities, sustaining family livelihoods and supporting Timor-Leste’s economy.
“Therefore, I encourage young people to participate in training facilitated by institutions in partnership with the Timorese Government, so that they can access the job opportunities provided under PLMSP Scale-up in Australia, across diverse sectors,” Wilson added.
She emphasized that the collective efforts being undertaken will bring real benefits to families and contribute to the development of Timor-Leste’s economy.
The launch ceremony was attended by SEFOPE leadership and partner organizations, including the Director General for Vocational Training and Employment, representatives from the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste, CALTECH, CANEX, GTNT, MINTRAC, SIMILIE Academy, LELI, CARE TL, World Vision TL, The Asia Foundation, INCANTO, as well as trainees, trainers, and journalists.
Reporter: Domingas
Photo: Domingas