As the Pacific Island Countries accelerate their effort on a clean, reliable, resilient and just energy transition, the need to institutionalize capacity building becomes increasingly critical.

Originally spearheaded by an EU-funded Pacific Technical and Vocational Education and Training on Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Adaptation  project (PacTVET 2014-2018), the Pacific Centre for Renewable and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) has sustained this momentum by supporting its member countries in building local expertise. This initiative aims to strengthen national capacity for the deployment, operation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies, ensuring long term sustainability.

In Tonga, the National Certificates on Sustainable Energy (NCSE) Level 1 & 2 have been delivered over the last five years. In line with the requirements of the Tonga National Qualification and Accreditation Board (TNQAB), a periodic review of these qualifications (conducted every 5 years) was undertaken to ensure their continued relevance and alignment with industry needs.

Following  a review meeting by the Industry Training Advisory Committee (ITAC) from 3 – 6 February 2026, a validation workshop was conducted 11th March 2026, with both were co-facilitated by TNQAB and the PCREEE. These engagements aimed to ensure that the qualifications remain responsive to evolving industry demands and broader a socio-technical developments in Tonga.  The ITAC members  involved in the review and validation of both qualifications consisted of representatives from Tonga Power Limited, Tonga National University, the Department of Energy and the Tonga Energy Commission and PCREEE.

 Over the past 5 years, 50 students have graduated from both NCSE Level 1 and Level 2 programmes, with 33% of them female and 67% male participation. The programmes have provided early secondary school dropouts with viable pathways to employment, while also enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Tonga's national sustainable energy development. Notably, one female NCSE Level 2 graduate is currently employed by the Department of Energy as an Energy Technician officer while others engaged across various  energy-related sectors.

“The requirements of the TNQAB Act have been met and the qualifications will now be submitted to the Board for their approval, in time for delivery on the second semester of 2026. This is welcome news for youths of Tonga, who have eagerly awaited these bridging courses to pursue pathways toward higher qualifications”, said Mr. Paea Tau’aika from PCREEE.

The ITAC meetings and validation workshop were generously supported by the UK-funded Transforming Energy Access Programme – Pacific – The Pacific Community (TEA-P-SPC) project and managed by the Carbon Trust.