The Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa, Afioga Fatialofa Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi was the keynote speaker when 45 students graduated at the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Fale at the National University of Samoa with over 200 invited guests including the graduating students, their families, and employers as well as other APTC supporters in the Samoan community.

The Prime Minister has been a strong supporter of the Australia-Pacific Technical College since it began delivering training in the Pacific in 2007. 

The APTC is funded by the Australian Government through AusAID and now has 5 campuses throughout the Pacific region delivering a total of 23 training programs. In Samoa APTC delivers 9 training programs at the NUS campus in two schools. These are the Schools of Trades & Technology, and Hospitality & Community Services.

The 45 graduating students have successfully completed their studies in 10 APTC courses. They include Certificate III or Certificate IV in Tourism, Commercial Cookery, Hospitality, Hospitality Supervision, Carpentry, Fabrication/Welding, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Automotive and Diesel Fitting.

Highlights of this graduation and APTC include:

• The graduation of the first female Carpentry III graduate from Samoa -Onolina Ioane. She has been chosen by her peers to give one of the two graduate speeches.
• Two graduates are studying a further qualification in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government last year offered scholarships to APTC graduates so they could continue further studies at Degree or Diploma level. Eight Samoan APTC graduates have been offered these scholarships.

APTC has now introduced 2 new courses in Samoa which are Certificate III in Disability and Certificate III in Children's Services. The first Samoan graduates from these 2 programs will be recognised at the next APTC graduation.

All APTC qualifications are recognised Australian awards, which is an additional advantage to Pacific region graduates who are interested in seeking employment opportunities and experience beyond their home countries.