Upskilling and training opportunities Opportunities to upskill and engage in training offer Pacific workers the possibility of building on their existing skills, knowledge and experience. This is vital for advancement in the workplace. We heard from Pacific workers that these opportunities are often not equally shared in their workplaces. Pacific workers had both positive and negative experiences regarding training. The key themes we identified were: • some people have access to training while others do not • there are barriers to accessing training • training does not lead to remuneration increases • training does not lead to advancement. Some people have access to training while others do not The picture that emerged from our engagement regarding training was mixed. Some Pacific workers had adequate opportunities for training while others did not, and this varied by industry. In the manufacturing sector, for example, we heard that there is a lack of opportunities for on-site and off-site training, and for the few who did receive training, there was little support. As a result, these workers were left to train themselves and often their peers as well. In relation to this experience, one Pacific manufacturing worker shared that “we train ourselves by observing others – there is never a good time for training” (S005). More commonly, workers did not receive training at all, as in the case of the same Pacific manufacturing worker who has “worked at the same company for 15 years – we never get opportunities, just feel used most of the time” (S005). By contrast, in the construction sector, several Pacific workers shared positive stories of the training opportunities they received. While the opportunities are there for construction workers, it was a matter of identifying the training required and persistently seeking support from managers to take them up. Those who did receive training often also commented that “sometimes you have to keep asking to go on them” (S189). As in the manufacturing sector, some Pacific construction workers also told us there was “not much” (S216) training being provided or offered. Some were promised training but not receiving it, as in the case of one Pacific construction worker who said “I have been promised to undertake leadership training, however, none has eventuated to date” (S209). A particularly concerning example of receiving no training was shared with us by a Pacific construction worker who works in health and safety: Absolutely none. I worked in health and safety and never even had a first aid certificate or any training. (S192) Like the construction sector, Pacific healthcare workers reported mixed experiences with training opportunities. Some highlight the lack of opportunities for training, but there were several health workers who shared positive stories. One Pacific worker told us: I’m lucky to have a supportive team who allow me to complete trainings that contribute to my development, including paying for a lot of workshops or conferences and including me in projects where I can apply my learnings. (S121) Another Pacific worker shared a similar experience, noting the support of her leaders: I’ve been lucky to have management that have supported my training aspirations. I had to put the work in, but they came to the party with study leave and travel. My uni was also very supportive of my employer so that helped a lot too. (S048) Some Pacific workers who were supported with training opportunities were also aware that they can be few and far between for Pacific peoples. One Pacific health worker told us: I’m one of the very few that has been lucky as I have been with an organisation that has supported my studies and am grateful to now be working as a social worker … Again, blessed to be one of the few but am very aware of this issue which is very real. (S083) Voices of Pacific peoples 51