Australia Pacific Training Coalition welcomes new Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jovesa Saladoka as the Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu.

Saladoka took up his new role in late 2018 and comes from an international development background championing social justice, human right principles, and promoting access and equality.

“My new role is absolutely challenging and I’m loving it. There is never a dull moment so far, as one is cascaded with multiple layers of dialogue ranging from student behaviors to brokering a partnership conversation,” he said.

Saladoka, who is APTC’s first Fijian Country Director, has worked in the Pacific for more than 15 years and is passionate about empowering local communities to thrive to their utmost potential.

“I want my team in the Fiji and Tuvalu offices to get a better sense of ownership in this new phase as they all play a very significant part in shaping the approach that will enable the Marys and Johns of the Pacific to not only get a skill or qualification but also to navigate better towards economic independence.“

“The key role for this position is demonstrating the transition of APTC from an Australian technical college to an agent of change imbued with a localised approach to establishing and strengthening coalitions with diverse institutions and stakeholders, including traditional and faith-based actors,” he added.

Saladoka is joined by Emma Rice, the new Vocational Training Manager for Fiji and Tuvalu.

Rice has worked in the social and community sector for the past 22 years, holding leadership and management roles in a variety of community settings including disability, education, child protection and sexual and reproductive health organisations.

The new appointments are part of the new leadership team for APTC’s phase 3. In this phase, APTC will continue to deliver high quality, internationally recognised training that ensures graduates have improved employment outcomes but also focus on supporting greater investment in skills training and higher quality TVET delivery across the Pacific.

APTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Soli Middleby, said APTC is delighted to welcome Saladoka and Rice, and is confident that their skills combined will be a great asset to the country offices in Fiji and Tuvalu.

“The appointments bring new skills, experience and networks to complement and lead our team and take forward the ambitions of APTC in its third stage by contributing to Pacific prosperity through partnerships,” she said.

APTC is Australia’s flagship programme for training excellence, helping Pacific Island citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers. Around 13,000 graduates have graduated from APTC since it began operation in 2007.

SOURCE: APTC/PACNEWS