Through support from Pacific Australia Skills, two talented young Samoans have represented their country at the Vanuatu International Friendly Skills Competition 2026, held in Port Vila from 19 to 23 October, joining competitors from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Jeremiah Peni, who is currently pursuing a Certificate II in Hospitality Kitchen Operations and Cookery at Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua, competed in the Culinary Arts category, while Vili Aseni of Laumua o Punaoa, pursuing a Certificate I in Electrical Engineering, competed in Electrical Installation. Following their wins in their respective categories at the Samoa Skills Competition 2026 in June, both earned the opportunity to represent Samoa on the regional stage.
For Jeremiah and Vili, the competition was an opportunity to put their training into practice, learn from other young people pursuing similar trades and gain valuable experience beyond the classroom.
As the youngest competitor in his category, Jeremiah initially felt nervous competing alongside older participants. However, he remained confident and eager to learn, embracing the opportunity to develop his culinary skills and gain new experiences.
“The competition was a great experience. I learned new skills and gained more knowledge in Culinary Arts, and I also made new friends. I took the feedback and advice from the assessors and judges seriously, as it helped me understand how I could improve my performance and conduct myself better in the kitchen,” Jeremiah said.
Encouraged by his family and friends, Jeremiah embraced the opportunity to represent Samoa and pursue his passion for cooking. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue his education in Culinary Arts and secure employment in Samoa or overseas, where he can use his skills to support his family.
Norma Rae Hoeflich, Coordinator for Hospitality and Cookery at Don Bosco Technical Centre, highlighted the value of Jeremiah’s participation following his success at the national competition.
“After winning in the Samoa Skills Competition, it’s a great opportunity for Jeremiah to join this event. It will provide valuable experience and a strong foundation that will support him throughout his life,” she said.
For Vili, one of the most memorable moments was receiving positive feedback from international participants and assessors about the quality of electrical training in Samoa.
“One of the things that made me proud was hearing positive comments from people from other countries and the assessors about the quality of Samoa’s electrical training. Their comments about the high standard of our training and the systems we use made me proud of my country and my training institution, Laumua o Punaoa,” Vili said.
Vili also took pride in completing his project on time and earning a bronze medal after placing third in Electrical Installation. Beyond the competition, he appreciated the opportunity to experience Vanuatu’s culture and traditions and gain a better understanding of the standards and different approaches used in his trade.
Their experiences demonstrate how skills competitions can help young people grow both personally and professionally. By applying their training in a competitive environment, participants can learn from industry experts, receive constructive feedback, build confidence and develop important workplace qualities such as problem-solving, time management and adaptability.
These opportunities also highlight the important role of Samoa’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) providers in preparing young people with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge to pursue further education and employment.
Through initiatives such as the Samoa Skills Competition, Pacific Australia Skills and the Samoa Qualifications Authority contribute to creating opportunities for young Samoans to demonstrate their abilities, strengthen their skills and gain exposure to regional learning experiences.
For Jeremiah and Vili, their journey from the national competition to Vanuatu reflects the opportunities that skills development can create, inspiring other young Samoans to pursue their interests, build confidence in their abilities and explore future careers in the trades.
Pacific Australia Skills | Media Release, 26 October 2026
