The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) held its first networking event for alumni in Tuvalu 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.

Over 9,000 students have graduated from APTC in the past eight years, 91 of these graduates are from Tuvalu. The alumni event presented a unique networking opportunity for past and recent APTC graduates to connect on a professional level and learn about further training, employment and migration opportunities.  

The meeting featured guest speakers, including APTC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Denise O’Brien, APTC Executive Director Training Delivery, Ms Marian Wilkinson and Permanent Secretary for Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Mr Avafoa Irata.

Ms O’Brien welcomed the alumni and stated that as members of the APTC Alumni Association (APTC Alumni), they are very important ambassadors and advocates of APTC in their communities. 

“We are very proud of you. We recognise that your achievement and success since your graduation from APTC inspires others to pursue vocational training as a means to develop their skills,” she said. 

Information on upcoming APTC courses available to alumni was provided by Ms Wilkinson, and Permanent Secretary, Mr Irata provided valuable information about further training, employment and migration opportunities for Tuvaluan APTC graduates. 

APTC Alumni and Student Recruitment Coordinator, Sangeeta Asre said, “the event was a great success and APTC is looking forward to further develop our networking and training opportunities for APTC Alumni in Tuvalu.” The APTC Alumni’s objective is to ensure that all APTC graduates remain connected with the APTC community and are informed of further training, employment and migration opportunities through special events, networking opportunities, alumni chapter meetings, social media and other communication. 

Further information about APTC Alumni can be gained by visiting the APTC website: www.aptc.edu.au or emailing: alumni@aptc.edu.au.