The High Commissioner, Matt Anderson was the key guest of honour when 117 Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) students graduated in Solomon Islands last week.

APTC is funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

All graduates’ originated from the Solomon Islands but studied at APTC campuses located across the pacific.  They were the largest group of Solomon Island APTC graduates completing studies in: Automotive, Children’s Services, Commercial Cookery, Community services, Disability, Fabrication, Diesel Fitting, Hairdressing, Hospitality, Hospitality (Lodge), Hospitality Supervision, Patisserie, Plumbing, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Tourism, Wall and Floor Tiling and Youth Work.

Students also completed studies for the first time in the Certificate III in Home and Community Aged Care.

The ceremony was held at the BSP Building in Honiara. The 361 guests invited represented the Solomon Islands government, industry partners, graduates’ families, staff and students.

Percy Elima, who graduated from Diploma in Community Services and Tony Sego, who graduated from Certificate III in Automotive, each gave an address to the guests on behalf of all the graduates.