Regional South Australia has welcomed its first Filipino nurses under a new migration and training initiative aimed at helping address workforce shortages while creating pathways for internationally trained healthcare workers.
The first Filipino nurses have arrived in regional South Australia under a new migration and training initiative designed to help address workforce shortages while creating opportunities for internationally trained healthcare workers.
The nurses are among the first participants under the new Global Apprenticeship Program pilot, which allows internationally trained nurses to work as Assistants in Nursing while undertaking a traineeship pathway towards becoming Enrolled Nurses.
The program is being led by the South Australian Skills Commission in partnership with local government, health services, training providers and multicultural settlement specialists. The first participants have been welcomed to the regional town of Cleve in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, with more expected to arrive in the coming months.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts between South Australia and the Philippines to strengthen cooperation on workforce development and skills training.
On 17 April 2026, Commissioner Cameron Baker, Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), establishing a framework for long-term collaboration on skills recognition, training alignment and workforce mobility.
Commissioner Baker said the agreement reflected a shared commitment between South Australia and the Philippines.
“This MOU shows the commitment that South Australia and the Philippines are making together, to be partners of choice as we help each other build our standards of vocational education and training, and to develop the skills of our workforce.”
As part of the partnership, South Australia recently hosted a delegation of 25 TESDA representatives from the Philippines for a capability-building program that provided exposure to South Australia’s vocational education and training system.
Funded through the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program included delivery of a Training and Assessment skill set, workshops on assessment validation and industry-aligned training delivery, as well as site visits to registered training organisations, technical colleges and employers. The exchange is expected to support stronger alignment between training systems and improve confidence in skills recognition across both countries.
Commissioner Baker said the Global Apprenticeship Program demonstrates how different workforce models can help address both immediate and long-term workforce needs.
“South Australia is leading the nation in innovative workforce strategies, connecting skilled migrants with real job opportunities in industries that need them most.”
Local leaders say the program is already making a difference in regional communities.
“We are delighted to welcome five new trainee ENs to Cleve… Initiatives like this help us strengthen our skilled workforce, supporting safe, high-quality care close to home,” said Eyre and Far North Local Health Network CEO Julie Marron.
Beyond healthcare, the South Australian Skills Commission is expanding similar approaches to priority sectors including construction, automotive and the care economy. State officials say the approach aims not only to address workforce shortages but also to support stronger communities and sustainable growth in regional areas.
As Mayor Phil Cameron noted, attracting workers is about more than jobs – it is also about helping build sustainable communities where people can live, work and belong.
Honorary Philippine Consul Carmen Garcia AM said the partnership reflects the long-standing relationship between South Australia and the Philippines.
“I am so proud of the leadership and strategic initiatives led by the SA government under Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas MP, and Commissioner Cameron Baker, who have long valued the partnership between our state and the Philippines.
“At a time we are celebrating Philippines–Australia Friendship Day in May and recognising 80 years of diplomatic relations, there are clear signals of support from our state in leading the nation and driving productivity and innovation to leverage our strong people-to-people links with the Philippines.”
