Invited guests, alumni, and the family and friends of Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) graduates gathered to celebrate their achievements and graduation at the Tuvalu Government Conference Room on 17 February 2016. 

APTC is an innovative development initiative funded by the Australian Government to deliver training to increase the supply of skilled workers in targeted industry sectors across the Pacific.  APTC training is delivered at five campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and is available to citizens from 14 Pacific Island Forum (PIF) countries.

Her Excellency Karinda D’Aloisio, Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu, delivered the keynote address. 

APTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Denise O’Brien congratulated the new graduates and told them that the certificates they received were proof of their commitment and determination to develop their skills in their respective fields of work. 

“You are the drivers of the Pacific region, and are contributing to its growth, by representing your community, industry and country in the work you are doing,” she said. 

Ms O’Brien added that having graduated with a recognised qualification, the students now have the opportunity to explore employment prospects in other countries in the region and beyond. 

To date, five APTC graduates from Tuvalu are confirmed to have migrated while an additional 21 are temporarily out of country for work or study.

All six graduates who received their qualifications are from Tuvalu, and have completed their programs at one of APTC’s campuses in Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

 Paua Iosia, Sulia Rusia and Bailey Koulapi, graduated with Certificate III in Community Services Work. Tanei Pola, Luagigie Taitaiga, and Neemia Neemia respectively gained qualifications in Fabrication, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Wall and Floor Tiling. 

Attendees at the graduation included: the Minister for Education, Youth and Sports, Hon. Ms Fauoa Maani, and Acting Permanent Secretary for Education Youth and Sports, Ms Puaita Etuati, Acting Secretary to the Government of Tuvalu, Ms Limasene Teatu and  Permanent Secretary Personnel and Training, Mr Fakavae Taomi, Rev. Tofiga Falani and President Ekalesia Kelisiano (Christian Church of Tuvalu). 

Prior to the graduation, APTC hosted the Tuvalu alumni members to networking event. The event was an opportunity to network with fellow alumni as well as learn about migration and other training opportunities available to APTC graduates.

Since its establishment, APTC has graduated more than 9000 students across the region. 55 Tuvaluan women have contributed towards this number, with two having trained in the traditionally male-oriented trade of Wall and Floor Tiling. 

APTC, as an equal opportunity provider to working Pacific Islanders, has also delivered training to two Tuvaluan graduates with special needs who have gained qualifications in APTC’s Disability courses.