Timor-Leste Australia Energy Partnership Announces Inaugural Training of Trainers Program for Energy Sector

PRESS RELEASE

Dili, Timor-Leste, 13 October 2025 – The Timor-Leste Australia Energy Partnership (TLAEP) is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Training of Trainers (TOT) Program for Welding, an initiative designed to enhance vocational education and technical skills within Timor-Leste’s growing energy sector specifically, and the extractive industry in general. This innovative program is a collaborative effort between the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo I.P. (ANP).

The upcoming TLAEP program will be hosted at the National Center for Employment and Vocational Training (CNEFP) in Tibar, Liquiça, and aims to elevate vocational training standards in Timor-Leste. Ten (10) qualified trainers from various vocational training centers and universities, accredited by the National Institute for Workforce Development (INDMO), will be part of this initiative. Participating university and vocational training centers include: CNEFP Tibar, Liquica; CNEFP Bansone, RAEOA; CNEFP Becora Dili; Dom Bosco Comoro, Dili; Dom Bosco Fatumaca, Baucau; ESTV Maumali, Maliana; ESTV de 1 Lospalos; ESTV Becora, Dili; ETI, Dili; and UNTL. These trainers will acquire the skills necessary to deliver high-quality vocational welding instruction, empowering them to issue internationally recognized welding certificates. This effort is critical for developing a skilled and competitive workforce, ensuring the safety and quality of energy infrastructure projects, and promoting local capacity and self-sufficiency in Timor-Leste.

The training is scheduled to run from October 13–24, 2025, with the final session planned for November 22–27, 2025. The sessions will be led by Joseph Sandor, Principal Welding Technology Trainer from Weld Australia, the leading body representing the welding industry in Australia. Weld Australia provides comprehensive training, qualification, and certification services and is recognized as an Authorized National Body (ANB) and Authorized Training Body (ATB) by the International Institute of Welding (IIW).

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the TLAEP’s ongoing dedication to advancing vocational education and enhancing technical skills vital for the growth of the energy sector. In collaboration with CNFP Tibar and INDMO, TLAEP aims to implement this innovative program, highlighting their shared vision of empowering the workforce with necessary skills for industry advancement.

The Timor-Leste Australia Energy Partnership (TLAEP) is a joint initiative led by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo I.P. (ANP). End