The Minister for Education and Culture has highlighted the link between acquiring new skills and knowledge and the employability of Samoan citizens in order for them to contribute to nation-building.

Speaking last Thursday at the National University of Samoa's Gymnasius Le Papaigalagala, during the graduation of Australia-Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) students, Seu'ula Ioane told the graduates that taking on new skills and knowledge will only boost their employment prospects and put them in a better position to contribute to national development.

"I also wish to acknowledge the work between APTC and the National University of Samoa that ensures that TVET programs are relevant to national needs and meet the demands of local and international labour markets," said Mr. Ioane. "The main focus is to improve the quality of our graduates and their employability through new skills and knowledge gained to ensure our people can continue to access new opportunities, increase their employability, and contribute to national development.

"I also acknowledge the commitment of the Australian Government in meeting the needs and aspirations of Samoans to build resilience to climate change and disaster through programs that support the integration of climate change and disaster resilience in infrastructure."

He congratulated the 103 men and women who completed their APTC courses and graduated, describing it as a "significant milestone" for them as individuals.

"The Samoan Government acknowledges your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications in a number of vocational areas, and we are proud of your accomplishments.

"To all the graduates, as your Minister for Education, Sports and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements. Malo le tauivi, malo le fai o le faiva.

"I am confident that the APTC has appropriately equipped you to put your new qualifications and skills into practice as part of Samoa’s growing workforce.

"Some of you received your training virtually and or away from home at other APTC campuses around the region. Your resilience and persistence are indeed inspiring."

The graduates were awarded qualifications in 12 different vocational programs: construction, light vehicle mechanical technology, carpentry, plumbing, tourism, hospitality, commercial cookery, community services, individual support, leadership and management, skills for work and vocational pathways and international skills training TVET trainer and assessor courses.

Mr. Ioane also acknowledged the families of employers and families of the graduates and the role they played respectively which led to their successful completion of the course requirements to graduate.

"I also wish to acknowledge your employers, families, friends and trainers for continuously providing support and encouragement during your learning journey with the APTC," he said.

A number of the graduates currently work for a number of government entities including Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services; Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority; Samoa Water Authority and the Samoa Electric Power Corporation.           

The passing out of over 60 women graduates was also mentioned by the Minister in his speech, who described it as a "key highlight", and made particular reference to the 15 who took on trade courses that are male-dominated.

"We have more than 60 women graduates who have successfully completed their technical and vocational programs. Fifteen of these women are graduating in male-dominated trades such as Construction and Plumbing.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our women graduates and acknowledge the Australian Government and APTC for these opportunities to support the Samoan Government’s efforts in promoting female participation and helping them realise their full potential in skills training."

The importance of specialist trade skills to overseas job markets was also mentioned by the Minister, who pointed out that this is why the Samoa Government recognises the importance of the relationship between the APTC and the Samoa Qualifications Authority.

"The Samoan Government recognises the relationship between the APTC and the Samoa Qualifications Authority to raise the quality of Samoa’s qualifications within the region and to support labour mobility, particularly in specialty areas linked to overseas job markets.

"The Samoa Education Sector Plan guides the Samoan Government's commitment to providing access to quality education and training for all Samoan citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.

"I also wish to acknowledge the work between APTC and the National University of Samoa that ensures that TVET programs are relevant to national needs and meet the demands of local and international labour markets."

The 103 men and women who graduated last Thursday are now part of the 19,000 APTC alumni in the region, according to the Minister, who added that the graduates are TVET pioneers and role models. 

"You are now TVET pioneers and role models. You will help shape the thoughts and minds of society and future generations on their perspective of TVET as a promising career choice," he said. This is not the end of your learning journey. 

"Please continue to learn and grow both personally and professionally in order for you to support the development of our people and country.

"Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the Government of Australia for their support and collaboration with the Samoa Education Sector in fostering and shaping the future of our people and country."