An idea to send Samoan trade apprentices to New Zealand to gain work experience has been floated.
The Samoa Trade Commissioner to New Zealand, Fonoti Doctor Lafita'i Fuata'i, says he believes the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi suggested it as a way for tradespeople to develop skills to take back to Samoa.
The commissioner says it's a good idea and would benefit both countries.
He says if the idea comes to fruition, it could be organised and rolled out within two years.
"Already the Australia Pacific Technical College has produced a number of graduates and are working in Samoa but we also got a shortage of labour in the trades so if we can produce more than enough of the quota needed, if we have an oversupply of tradespeople in Samoa then perhaps we could send them over."
But Fonoti says many checks would have to be done first to ensure Samoan tradespeople have the necessary skill level before working in New Zealand.
