The Minister Counsellor, Pacific -Suva (AusAID), Mr John Davidson, was the guest of honour when sixty-seven Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) students graduated in Namaka on 22 March, 2013.

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.

The graduates came from all over the Western Division of Fiji, including islands and the northern area of Viti Levu.

The ceremony was held at Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi. The 200 guests invited represented the Fijian government and the APTC industry partners, graduates’ families, staff and students.

The sixty-seven graduating students who all are from Fiji have successfully completed their studies in 14 APTC courses. They include Certificate levels III, Certificate IV or diploma awards in the following courses: Carpentry, Children’s Services, Commercial Cookery, Community Services Work, Disability, Hairdressing, Home/Community Aged Care, Hospitality (Lodge Stream), Hospitality Supervision, Patisserie, Plumbing, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Tourism and also Training and Assessment.

Highlights of this graduation and APTC include:

• The Home/Community Aged Care students completed the inaugural program in Suva last year.

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.