APTC empowers Samoan women and men through TVET

Eighty-six Samoans and one New Zealand national, graduated yesterday from Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) with qualifications in 13 programs.

The graduates received their certificates from the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.

The Prime Minister congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use their new qualifications to contribute to the development of their families and country.

The programs included: Commercial Cookery, Engineering - Fabrication Trade, Engineering - Mechanical Trade, Health Services Assistance, Hospitality, Individual Support, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, Tourism, Disability, Training and Assessment and Youth Work.

APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers across the Pacific region.

Since its establishment in 2007, around 10,600 students have graduated from APTC including 1336 Samoans.

In her closing remarks to the graduates, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Ms Sue Langford said, “The Australia-Pacific Technical College is Australia’s flagship program in the Pacific. This is because APTC qualifications are highly valued by employers. Ninety-eight percent of graduates have maintained or secured employment with noted increases in salaries.”

APTC has also been proactive in developing courses based on demand from the Samoan market. One of these programs is the Certificate III in Education Support, delivered for the first time this year.

The new graduates studied at APTC campuses in Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. Representatives from government as well as key industry partners along with APTC staff, graduates, and their friends and family attended the graduation.


Photo Facebook APTC: Some of the new graduates with their certificates : LoopSamoa