Graduation joy: Empowering Samoans with qualifications

By Ilia L. Likou 16 March 2017, 12:00AM

The Australia-Pacific Technical College (A.P.T.C) continues to provide quality technical and vocational skills to Samoan nationals. 

Eighty-six Samoans and one New Zealand national, graduated this week from A.P.T.C with qualifications in 13 programmes.  

The programmes 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. 

Since its establishment in 2007, around 10,600 students have graduated from A.P.T.C including 1336 Samoans. 

The College 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. 

The graduates received their certificates from the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele 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.  

In her closing remarks to the graduates, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sue Langford said, “The Australia-Pacific Technical College is Australia’s flagship program in the Pacific. 

“This is because A.P.T.C. qualifications are highly valued by employers. Ninety-eight percent of graduates have maintained or secured employment with noted increases in salaries.” 

A.P.T.C. 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 A.P.T.C. campuses in Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. Representatives from government as well as key industry partners along with A.P.T.C. staff, graduates, and their friends and family attended the graduation.

A.P.T.C. offers training to students from 14 Pacific countries and has campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.  

By Ilia L. Likou 16 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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