Eighty-nine students graduated from Australia Pacific Training Coalition with 40 being women and 49 men. 

It is an achievement that signifies a major boost to Samoa's skilled workforce and economic development. The graduation was held at the National University of Samoa Gymnasium and was witnessed by families and friends. 

Minister of Education and Culture Seuula Ioane Tuaau in his keynote address congratulated the graduates on behalf of the Government of Samoa, acknowledging their hard work and resilience. He also expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for providing scholarships for training opportunities through APTC.

“The Government of Samoa stands committed to working alongside the Australian Government to ensure that our skills training aligns with industry needs, leading to robust employment outcomes for all Samoans,” he said.

“This collaboration has yielded impressive results, with over 3390 Samoans graduating with Australian qualifications since 2007.” 

Graduates excelled in a diverse range of high-demand fields, including drainage, plumbing, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, wall and floor tiling, and tourism.

Ten women graduated with certificates in drainage and plumbing, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated trades.

The Australian High Commissioner to Samoa William Robinson emphasised the fruitful partnership between Australia and Samoa, which has equipped graduates with a wide array of skills and expertise.

 He also mentioned the upcoming transition of APTC to the Pacific Australia Skills Platform (PASP) which will mark the beginning of a new chapter in vocational education and training in the Pacific. 

“As Australia’s largest skills investment in the region, APTC will conclude in March 2025. It will be reformed under a new name, the Pacific Australia Skills Platform (PASP). PASP will continue to deliver employment skills, be Pacific-led, and bring together Australia and Pacific systems,” said Mr Robinson.

Commercial Cookery graduate and an entrepreneur from Salelologa in Savai’i, Logotaeao Pauga, thanked the Australian government for the opportunity to enhance her knowledge and to be able to apply her skills and knowledge managing her small bakery and catering business.

“The skills and knowledge from APTC will enable me to serve my community more effectively. My vision is to become a TVET teacher in the culinary industry, and I am determined to chase this dream as an avenue to pass on my skills and knowledge to my community,” Ms Logotaeao said.

The new graduates will join a network of over 25,860 Pacific Island and Timorese citizens, including over 3390 Samoans that APTC has trained to acquire Australian-standard skills and qualifications for various vocational careers since 2007.