Celia Burton – Training Adviser in Solomon Islands

What Celia is doing in Solomon Islands

Celia is working with KFPL, a part government, part privately-owned sustainable logging company in the Western Province of Solomon Islands. Her role is to advise on the learning, training, and development needs of employees and to ensure appropriate mechanisms are in place to enable those needs to be met. One of her first tasks was to help develop the company learning, training, and development policy.

KFPL currently employs around 150 employees and 500 contractors. Celia has been working with management and staff to understand company and individual needs in more detail. A training house has been designed that will provide a flexible learning space and meeting area. The building and an approved training programme will be operational within the next few months.

Making a positive impact

Celia recently ran five training courses for supervisors to help them with the skills needed for their role, given that some had come from non-supervisory roles, such as heavy vehicle drivers.

In addition she has helped set up a Career Development Committee that will oversee applications for long term national and international study requiring funding from scholarships / sponsorships.

Celia’s highlights so far

A highlight for Celia has simply been helping to provide a way for managers and employees to communicate their needs and wishes to each other and to support them in achieving company and personal goals.

What Solomon Islands has taught Celia

• I’ve always been aware of other perspectives, but being here has taught me many different aspects of this.
• The bottom line is sometimes you just have to accept things and let go. The challenge is always, not just to listen, but to hear and adapt.
• I have always been terrified of water but thanks to a dedicated friend who taught me to swim before I left New Zealand, I’ve taken the challenge and moved out of my comfort zone. Now I swim/snorkel and kayak. Wish I’d done it years ago!