The Palau Pacific Resort hosted the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) graduation on 9 September, 2014. The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 16 graduates, who successfully completed qualifications in Hospitality programs delivered by APTC. These graduates completed the requirements for either the Certificate III in Hospitality or the Diploma of Hospitality.

APTC is a development program funded by the Australian Government. APTC has campuses in five countries across the Pacific region – Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. APTC is a centre of training excellence, supporting individuals to gain qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers.

APTC Hospitality Trainer, William Hetherington was proud of his graduates’ achievements.  The high standard of hospitality service which is an aspect of their learning outcomes, has been commented on at previous occasions where students were given the opportunity to interact with members of the public and with international visitors.

All graduates are Palau nationals and have the opportunity to contribute to Palau’s booming Hospitality and Tourism industry in their chosen vocation.

Ms Denise O’Brien, APTC CEO hosted close to 60 guests, including the graduation keynote speaker, His Excellency, Tommy Remengasau Junior, the President of the Republic of Palau and current Pacific Island Forum Chair.

Some of the highlights of the Palau graduation ceremony were:

• Graduates had been given the opportunity earlier in the year to provide services for the 45th Pacific Island Forum which Palau hosted in July this year
• The current cohort of graduates were trained at the Palau Community College, who partnered with APTC for the current delivery of Hospitality courses

APTC delivers training in Australian qualifications accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework which is recognised locally, regionally and internationally.