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From left- APTC Vocational Training Manager - Solomon Islands, Mr Glyn Milhench and APTC Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati, Mr Donald Malasa

The APTC welcomes new Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati

Sep 14, 2018

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Donald Malasa as the Country Director for Solomon Islands and Kiribati. 

Mr Malasa is the first Solomon Islands citizen to head APTC in Solomon Islands, and took up his new role last month. 

He joins the APTC from the Solomon Islands National University where he served as the Pro-Vice Chancellor. 

“I am excited to lead the APTC in Solomon Islands and Kiribati. I will ensure the continued delivery of high quality training programs most relevant to national and international labour market needs. I will work in partnership and coalition with Solomon Islands and Kiribati to achieve Pacific driven reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” he said. 

Mr Malasa is the former Solomon Islands representative on the APTC Advisory Group and brings more than 22 years of experience in high-level leadership and management roles in TVET, as well as public and private sector environments. With Solomon Islands being a member of the Pacific Association of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, he is well versed with the TVET system in the Pacific.  

Mr Malasa is joined by Mr Glyn Milhench, who is the new Vocational Training Manager in Solomon Islands. Mr Milhench brings a wealth of experience in the Australian TVET sector and various Registered Training Organisations in Australia, including key positions in educational management support, and building and construction training. 

The new appointments are part of the new leadership team for the APTC’s Phase 3. In this phase, the APTC will continue to deliver high quality, internationally recognised training that ensures graduates have improved employment outcomes. It will also focus on supporting greater investment in skills training and working in partnership to achieve higher quality TVET delivery across the Pacific. 

The APTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Soli Middleby, said the APTC is delighted to welcome Mr Malasa and Mr Milhench. She said she is confident that they will make a great management team, working in partnership to lead the already cohesive country office in Solomon Islands as well as increase the APTC’s engagement with Kiribati. 

“The appointments bring new skills, experience and networks to complement our existing team and ensure that we are well-positioned to take forward the APTC’s ambitions in its third stage and contribute even more to Pacific prosperity through partnerships,’ she added. 

Ms Middleby also acknowledged the efforts of outgoing Solomon Islands Country Manager, Ms Pamela Morgan, conveying the APTC’s gratitude for Ms Morgan’s leadership of the Solomon Islands campus and her meaningful contributions to skills across the region.  

The APTC is Australia’s flagship program for training excellence, helping Pacific Island citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers. Around 13,000 people have graduated from the APTC since it opened in 2007. 

 

APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

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