APTC Mechanical Fitting and Machining student John Kua took home the second place trophy in the Papua New Guinea Apprentice of the Year competition.

Held late 2010, the event was organized and judged by the PNG National Apprenticeship Trade Testing Board.

Mr Kua, who hails from the Chimbu Province in the Highlands, is enrolled in his final semester at the APTC PNG Campus this year. He said that the skills and knowledge he is gaining at the College helped him with his success in the competition.

With his entry in the competition sponsored by his employer, the Coconut Product Company based in Rabaul, Mr Kua was awarded with the Runner-up trophy and certificate, and a 22-inch flat screen television.

"I am very grateful to have a scholarship to study with APTC. I will make good use of my new skills when I return to my workplace later this year," concluded Mr Kua.