Celebrating APTC graduate achievements in Samoa

05 Nov 2015
Technical College (APTC) graduation held on Tuesday, 27 October 2015, allowed 133 graduates to celebrate their achievements with family at the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority, Gym 1. This is the second APTC graduation ceremony in Samoa this year and the first for APTC Samoa’s new Country Manager Patricia Vella.

APTC is a development initiative funded by the Australian Government to deliver training and to increase the supply of skilled workers in targeted sectors in the Pacific region. APTC has campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

APTC CEO Denise O’Brien hosted over 300 invited guests at the graduation, including DFAT and APTC staff, graduates’ families, employers and industry representatives.

“Today is a special day for the 133 graduating students and their families. It is special, for it is a culmination of their toils and hard-work during the tenure of studies. It is special, because it is a true recognition of the sacrifices that students and their families have made during their studies, and, we are here to celebrate that achievement”, said the Chief Guest Honourable Tuisugaletaua Maposua Ali’imalemanu Sofara Aveau, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

“It is important to receive your certificates, diplomas and degrees in recognition of your training achievements, but it is the most noble of cause to use it well for your benefit, and the benefit of your family and country” was the message from Hon. Tuisugaletaua to the graduating students.

The graduates have successfully completed studies in APTC Certificate III and Certificate IV courses including the following: Allied Health Assistance/Health Services, Early Childhood, Commercial Cookery, Metal Fabrication, Hospitality, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Tourism, Fitting and Machining, Diesel Fitting, Wall and Floor Tiling, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Painting and Decorating, Community Development and Management.

The first graduates from the Diploma in Management received their Diplomas at the ceremony. These students are middle management staff from the Samoa Tourism Authority who undertook their training in Samoa. 

In her graduate address, Ela Poe said “the Qualifications conferred today will help us in our career paths but the learning we have received will last us our lifetime.” Ela graduated with Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

She added “we are so very grateful to our employers for making it possible for us to take leave from our jobs, so that we may take advantage of the opportunities to become more skilled professional workers. Thank you for making that sacrifice in the short term to achieve the long term benefits we all seek.”

According to a recent APTC Survey 97% of APTC’s Samoan graduates are employed across various industries.

“It is a great opportunity for our people to have chances to promote and further their studies, to gain experience and qualifications, for better job opportunities” says Faifuaina Tauiliili, another graduate speaker, who was awarded Certificate III in Engineering-Fabrication Trade.

APTC is achieving its targets through partnership arrangements and connections with industry, employers, community and government at national, regional and international levels. 

APTC works closely with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and the newly established Samoa Culinary Association which aim to build enterprise and employment opportunities for Samoans.

In August this year, APTC Cookery and Hospitality staff and students participated in an Agriculture Expo organised by the Ministry of Agriculture. They created recipes using locally grown fruits and vegetables and served samples on the day.

APTC Cookery and Hospitality staff and students have also participated in a number of significant events in Samoa including assisting in the catering for athletes in the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games, hosting a luncheon for the Hon. Christopher Pyne, Australian Minister for Education and catering for the opening of the Latin American and Spanish Film Festival at the National University of Samoa.

APTC Metal Fabrication staff and students designed and constructed Samoa’s first accessible playground for the children at the Samoa Primary School.

“We wish to acknowledge and thank the Australian Government, for the great opportunity provided through APTC, which has seen many of us local trades people, graduating from this great institution. It is without a doubt, we will all contribute greatly to the benefit of our country and the Pacific as well”, said Faifuaina.