The Australian Government-funded, Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), in a recent graduation ceremony held at the Fiji National University Campus in Nasinu, recognised the achievements of 317 Fijians, including 181 women, who have successfully earned Australian standard qualifications.
This is one of the largest graduating cohorts for the APTC Fiji campus since 2018. The graduation ceremony of this magnitude showcases the power of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Pacific region.
The event highlighted the growing interest in vocational training opportunities. These new graduates are now equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills to enhance workforce productivity and contribute to sustainable development across various industries in Fiji.
Qualifications included construction, engineering, hospitality, sustainable energy (career start), carpentry, individual support, aged and disability care, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, wall and floor tiling, and counselling.
Among the graduating cohort were 32 women and two men from Koroipita, Lautoka, who were awarded Certificate I in Construction and Certificate II in Hospitality. This marks the first collaboration between APTC and the Model Towns Charitable Trust – Koroipita, aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Selina Kuruleca, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience in completing their studies. She encouraged the new graduates to guide others on similar paths to success, as their qualifications bring new opportunities and the responsibility to help others.
Ms Kuruleca made a special mention of the 76 inspiring women who completed qualifications in non-traditional trades such as construction, engineering pathways, and sustainable energy.
“Your hard work and determination will undoubtedly inspire young girls and women in Fiji to consider and explore trade courses and take on TVET. Women graduates, this is the first of many fights and steps. Fight for your seat at the table or better yet fight for a seat at the head of the table,” she said.
Ms Kurulecua emphasised the significance of the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia, and acknowledged APTC’s support in developing a comprehensive TVET policy to bridge the gap between education and employment, particularly for youth, women, and people with disabilities.
In her closing remarks, Counsellor for Human Development at the Australian High Commission, Sophie Temby, commended the graduates for their dedication to education and career development through TVET.
She reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for skills development, with a strong focus on providing more opportunities and pathways for learning and employment for all Fijians.
“Under our renewed and elevated Vuvale partnership, Australia and Fiji have committed to closer cooperation in a range of areas including economic relations, people-to-people links and human development.
“This includes support to education, skills and training. Australia, through the APTC, is pleased to have supported you, the graduates, with the knowledge, skills and experience to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Ms Temby said.
Raijieli Naikaukaucagi managed to perservere despite her disability and graduated with a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways. Following completion of her course with APTC, she is now making significant contributions as a Maintenance Attendant at Holiday Inn Suva, where she performs essential technical roles and actively supports the hotel’s sustainability efforts.
“My APTC training gave me the confidence to excel in a male-dominated field,” she said.
“The skills I’ve gained have empowered me to take on challenging tasks and contribute meaningfully to my work. I hope my story inspires others, especially women and people with disabilities, to pursue their dreams no matter the challenges and barriers,” Raijieli added.
Since 2007, APTC has trained and awarded Australian qualifications to 24,542 Pacific Islands and Timorese citizens, including 8,031 Fijian graduates, in a range of vocational courses.
