Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) is providing Pacific people with Australian qualifications that are helping them secure exciting employment opportunities in targeted sectors.
One example is Nicholas Fiula who completed his studies last year in a Certificate III in Community Services Work. Mr Fiula is from Sisifiu village in the Solomon Islands.
Upon completing his qualification, Mr Fiula took up the position of Community Development Facilitator with World Vision International - Solomon Islands.
World Vision is a Christian relief organisation which works with children, families and communities to address poverty and injustice.
Currently, Mr Fiula is working on an El Nino-related project; “My role is to make sure all the project activities are implemented according to the timeframe. Mobilising, networking and partnering with communities, is a key responsibility,” he said.
Mr Fiula is grateful for the skills and knowledge that he developed while studying at APTC in 2015.
“Knowing about organisational protocols, problem solving, organising networking meetings and communicating effectively are just some of the things I learned at APTC, which are coming in handy in my current employment,” he added.
APTC is an innovative development initiative funded by the Australian Government to deliver training to increase the supply of skilled workers in targeted sectors in the Pacific region.
APTC’s Specialist Vocational Training Advisor for Heath and Community Services, Mr Gareth McGrath said that the Community Services course has provided graduates like Mr Fiula with skills to effectively work in the community services sector.
“This course looks at developing capacity for effective industry engagement and creating community services networks across the Pacific region,” he mentioned.
APTC training is delivered across five campus countries – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa and Solomon Islands and is open to citizens from the 14 Pacific Island Forum (PIF) countries.
Mr Fiula previously worked with Honiara City Council as an Assistant Youth Officer.