Kingdom of Tonga's Minister for Education was the keynote speaker when 28 students graduated at the Australia-Pacific Technical College last week.

It was a proud day for 28 Tongan students at the Australia-Pacific Technical College when they graduated in Nuku'alofa on Friday 31 August 2012.

The ceremony was held in the presence of 80 invited guests at the Ma'ufanga Catholic Church Hall.

The keynote speaker was Dr 'Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki, Minister for Education, Women Affairs and Culture in the Government of Tonga. Appointed last year, Dr Taufe'ulungaki is the only woman in the Tongan cabinet. Her participation in the ceremony is an indication of the cordial and cooperative relationship between the Tongan Government and the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

The APTC, funded by the Australian Government and with teaching centres throughout the Pacific region, delivers training programs in Tonga in two schools, Trades and Technology and Hospitality and Community Services.

Of the 28 graduates in Nuku'alofa, two are from Trades and Technology - one Certificate III in Carpentry and one Certificate III in Engineering: Fabrication Trade. The others are from the School of Hospitality and Community Services, with two students graduating Certificate III in Hospitality, two Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), two Certificate III in Children's Services and one Certificate III in Hairdressing.

The fact that all APTC qualifications are at Australian level is an additional advantage to Pacific region graduates who are interested in seeking employment opportunities and experience beyond the confines of their home countries.

APTC graduate Puhoi Avatahi 'Illimanu 'I Moana Fia receiving her certificate from the Honourable Minister for Education, Women Affairs and Culture Dr Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki and His Excellency Mr Thomas Roth, Australian High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga.

APTC graduate Ms Melesii Filise and her father are congratulated by the Honourable Minister for Education, Women Affairs and Culture Dr Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki.