The Solomon Islands is one of the Pacific’s poorest nations, where development is challenged by its small and geographically dispersed population. Between 2020 and 2022, the country faced two major shocks – the COVID-19 pandemic and the Honiara unrest – which together caused significant economic contraction.

Long-term growth remains constrained by limited infrastructure, underdeveloped labour skills and high utility costs.

In this context, the Solomon Islands social impact initiative was created to expand access to WSET drinks education for local hospitality, beverage and tourism professionals. The project aimed to build skills, confidence and opportunity, while supporting the development of a more sustainable hospitality sector.

The programme

The programme was delivered through a collaboration between Wine Education Co. (New Zealand), the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), Sullivans and Solomon Islands–based project volunteer Dan Baldock. Together, they provided local hospitality, beverage retail and tourism professionals with the opportunity to complete the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, gaining internationally recognised education and the foundational knowledge needed to progress their careers and strengthen service standards in the Solomon Islands.

The course followed a hybrid format, with two days of live virtual teaching delivered by Michael Darby from Wine Education Co. and supported in person by Dan Baldock, who facilitated discussions, guided tastings, assisted with the classroom setup and offered additional study support. Teaching and examinations took place at the APTC campus in Honiara, which provided facilities and logistical assistance, while Sullivan’s, the country’s largest importer of wine and spirits, supplied the wine samples for the programme.

To ensure the training was fully accessible, WSET provided all study materials, exam papers and certificates at no cost to participants, allowing all 23 students to take part regardless of financial barriers.

cake with icing spelling out, 'WSET Level 1'

Outcomes and impact

23 students undertook the course and sat the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines examination
13 participants graduated successfully – 10 on their first attempt and three on their second
The project provided structured, professional wine education for the first time, building participants’ confidence, communication and service skills
Graduates reported a greater understanding of wine styles and production and increased confidence when serving or selling wine to customers
Boosted professional capability while opening pathways for future training and skills development in the region

TESTIMONIAL

"Completing the course gave me a real sense of achievement and a strong foundation to build on. These skills are essential in customer service, wine sales and event planning." Ned Kaituu, Sullivans (SI) Ltd, Solomon Islands