Hard work and higher education has turned Maika Raisilisili into a self-confident young man. He attributes this positive change to the training he received at the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

After successfully completing the Certificate IV in Youth Work at APTC, Maika has landed himself a job as Project Coordinator at Projects Abroad in Suva.

“Before coming to APTC I would never have dreamed that I was capable of working for someone like Projects Abroad,” he said.   “I abandoned my Community Work studies at another institution as finance was a barrier, and I had five other siblings to think about.”

Before receiving an APTC scholarship, Maika volunteered for six years with the Rewa Provincial Youth Council.

He worked with Projects Abroad in Nadi as part of a practical attachment for the Certificate IV in Youth Work. The multi-national organization was impressed with his efforts and hired him as a Project Coordinator in June after he completed the APTC course.

Jesse Warner, project manager at Projects Abroad, is thrilled to have Maika on her team.

“He has an understanding and local knowledge that is important to us and the work placement that he was able to take part in with us has allowed him to fit straight in,” she said.

“Through APTC I have been able to seize this opportunity and I hope that my story may encourage others in the future to realise their potential. I commend the APTC and my trainers for their good work. I couldn’t have done this without them. They are the best,” Maika said.

“My family is sad that I have left my village Ovea, Bau in Tailevu but so proud that I have been able to embark on this career. Through my studies and employment, I am able to pass on my new knowledge and skills that can benefit the community as a whole. I want to be able to tell everyone involved in the project how important it is to the emerging community services sector in Fiji and the Pacific.”

Senior Trainer Gareth McGrath and Youth Work Tutor Niru Singh are proud of Maika’s achievement.

“Through the employability skills that Maika developed, his self-esteem and confidence improved significantly as well as his resume development and interview skills, allowing him to secure this excellent opportunity,” they said.

“Maika is a role model for the local students and to watch his development over the duration of the course has been an honour and a pleasure.”

Ms Warner has also confirmed that in partnership with APTC, her organisation hopes to employ more locals like Maika who have the required skills.

Maika will pursue further studies in Social Science next year. He recommends the APTC Certificate IV in Youth Work to anyone pursuing a career supporting youth.