The Philippines faces growing skills shortages in areas from aged care to construction and engineering. One important step in helping bridge the skills gap is to build local vocational training capacity.
Alana Kaye College (RTO70056) is stepping up to the task. The award-winning Darwin-based private college signed training agreements with 3 Filipino organisations after meeting them on an Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange mission to Manila in 2024.
One of these organisations is Don Bosco-One TVET Philippines, one of the country's leading registered training organisations. In July 2025, Alana Kaye will launch a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with Don Bosco-One TVET Philippines.
'It's an incredible opportunity to partner with Don Bosco to build the skills of their team and support their local education program,' says Alana Anderson, the founder and CEO of Alana Kaye College. 'And it's a great opportunity for us to diversify our income and grow our team.'
Training from Darwin to Manila
Alana Kaye is a private training college founded in 2010 with just one domestic student. It has since outlasted other providers in a competitive and often volatile industry.
The college's expertise in international education is well established. It won the Northern Territory's International Education and Training Export award 5 years in a row. Transnational education was a logical next step.
Reaching this point has taken a willingness to diversify. 'I can think of 5 million ideas and sometimes my team has to hold me back,' says Ms Anderson. 'But we're looking at our scope all the time to make sure we're offering what students want.'
That can also mean taking some risks. When Alana Kaye began offering accredited courses for international students, that program also began with just one student. 'That seems to be a theme for us,' laughs Ms Anderson.
By those measures, the transnational training program is already a success. Alana Kaye has delivered its first vocational course for 16 students from the Philippines' Immigration, Coast Guard and Customs authorities.
Alana Kaye College and Don Bosco-One TVET Philippines are partnering to bridge skills gaps in the Philippines.
Finding common ground to meet training needs
Students say they've loved the training. 'They've been particularly impressed with the quality of Australian training and the way it is provided,' says Ms Anderson. 'It's not just about getting up and talking at people, it's about building practical skills.'
The project with Don Bosco is exciting because it can offer benefits on many levels. It is helping build locally needed skills, while allowing students to study at home and gain a recognised Australian accreditation. That can bring employment opportunities at home and overseas.
As an Australian transnational education provider, the key is really hearing what people need, says Ms Anderson.
'We never want to be seen as "the experts from down south" who are going to come in with a couple of PowerPoints and show everyone how to do things the right way. We need to start with respect, think about what we can offer, and find rapport and common ground.'
For Alana Kaye, having a team based in the Philippines has helped build those insights, Ms Anderson says.
Don Bosco Manila has referred Alana Kaye to its sister college in Indonesia. That is leading to discussions about offering a similar program in Indonesia.
'Getting the word out is important,' says Ms Anderson. 'But in the end the work needs to speak for itself. If you do things well, people will recommend you. I think this could lead to something big.'
Trade missions offer credibility and connection
Austrade's in-country support has been critical to Alana Kaye's success in the Philippines.
'Everything really took off for us in the Philippines after we attended Austrade's Southeast Asia Business Exchange transnational education mission in 2024,' says Ms Anderson.
'That led immediately to 3 Memoranda of Understanding, including with the Philippines Construction Industry Authority and Don Bosco.'
Business missions provide valuable opportunities to meet local providers, senior officials and decision-makers. For a small provider, official backing also helps build credibility and trust with potential clients.
'The benefits are huge because you can find out what the country wants, then work back from there to think about what we can provide to support them,' says Ms Anderson.
Austrade's assistance has extended to referrals and introductions, including attending client meetings.
'I've been caught a couple of times with agents promising more than they can deliver,' says Ms Anderson. 'When Austrade refers someone to us, we're confident we can trust that recommendation.
'My advice would always be this: if you're going to go anywhere, let Austrade know you're coming and what you're planning on doing. If they can help you, they will.'
