Testing workshops and interviews were held to identify students for the college. 170 applicants were reduced to a 50 short list brought to Honiara. 30 were found to have sufficient technical knowledge to qualify for interview. Eventually 21 were chosen to attend Vanga. Very happily 9 girls were chosen, just one short of our 50% target. The intention of the testing was to ensure that the students had the necessary base of vocational knowledge to be upgraded at Vanga and to eventually teach their subject. Interviews were focused on personal qualities and desire to teach.

The first intake of student teachers had five carpentry students, three mechanics, seven home economics, and six agriculture students. There is a good spread from the provinces: five from Malaita, five from Guadalcanal, four from Choiseul, three from Makira, three from Western Province, and one from Temotu. We made a point of encouraging last years students to apply, hence 6 of the 21 just graduated. However, 12 of the others chosen were from the years 1996-98