Eight instructors earn international welding certification
DÍLI, 13 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Eight instructors from vocational training centres and technical schools across Timor-Leste received International Welding Inspector certification after completing a six-month training programme supported by the National Petroleum Authority (ANP) and the Australian Government.
The certificates were awarded at a ceremony hosted by the ANP following the completion of the programme at the National Centre for Employment and Professional Training (CNEFP) in Tibar, Liquiçá Municipality.
ANP Vice-President Quintino Pereira said the certification would help strengthen the professional skills of welding instructors and support the adoption of international industry standards in Timor-Leste.
He said the instructors would use the knowledge and skills gained through the programme to train students at their respective vocational centres and technical schools.
“We prepared these instructors to become professional welding instructors in Timor-Leste, at their respective training centres or vocational schools. When new students want to take welding training, they will already have the experience to teach because they have obtained the certification,” Pereira said.
The Training of Trainers (ToT) programme initially brought together 10 instructors from vocational training centres and technical schools accredited by the Institute for the Development of the Workforce (INDIMO). Eight successfully completed the requirements for international certification.
The six-month programme combined classroom-based lessons with practical training, using Australian training modules and trainers. It focused on welding techniques and inspection procedures in line with international standards.
Pereira said the programme was implemented through the Timor-Leste Australia Energy Partnership (TLAEP), involving the ANP and Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).
Established in 2022, the partnership seeks to strengthen cooperation between Timor-Leste and Australia in knowledge exchange, trade and investment in the resources sector. It also promotes collaboration between governments, institutions, businesses and academic organisations to strengthen industry links and workforce skills.
The partnership focuses on four areas: government-to-government cooperation, instructor training, business and academia.
Duarte da Costa, an instructor at Becora Technical Secondary School (ESTV), said the programme had provided a valuable opportunity and that he would pass on the knowledge gained to his students.
“This was a good opportunity, and we made the most of it. When we return, we will apply what we have learned with our students, particularly the modules taught by the Australian instructors,” he said.
The eight certified instructors are José Amaral from CNEFP Tibar in Liquiçá; Jacinta Correia from CNEFP Bansone in Oecusse; Francisco José Gusmão from CNEFP Becora; Nelson Soares Maco from Dom Bosco Comoro in Dili; Vitoriano de Sousa from Dom Bosco Fatumaka in Baucau; Simão Maia from ESTV 1 Lospalos; Duarte da Costa from ESTV Becora in Dili; and Suizilio de Castro from the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL).
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