Over 50 students of the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) were awarded with qualifications in 15 programs in Nadi on 22 April 2016.
APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian-standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.
Since APTC’s establishment, the college has graduated more than 2840 Fiji citizens with Australian-standard qualifications.
Culinary Ambassador for Fiji Airways and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism "Fiji Grown" campaign, Mr Lance Seeto delivered the keynote address.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Seeto said that it is an exciting time for Fiji's development as a nation.
“We are undergoing an extraordinary renaissance of bridging the traditional with the modern. We see it in our food, agriculture, fashion, trade and tourism. But we need a highly skilled workforce to achieve and deliver world class goods and services to a global market.”
“Gone are the days when mediocracy and Fiji time was the accepted standard. We need workers who will go above and beyond to challenge the status quo. This is where APTC programs play a critical role in giving Fijians internationally recognised qualifications and exposure to overseas knowledge," he added.
Five students graduated with a Commercial Cookery qualification. APTC cookery students in Fiji are trained to prepare dishes using locally grown produce at the Pacific Fusion Restaurant.
Earlier this month, the Pacific Fusion Restaurant hosted its first dinner service for the year. The four-course meals were prepared and served to guests by APTC’s cookery and hospitality students.
Also present at the graduation ceremony was the First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Fiji, Mr Simon Starr who delivered the closing address.
The graduating class included 16 Fashion program graduates who are employees of Danam (Fiji) Ltd, Treekams, Motiram, Talei Apparel, Jacks Garments and Nagsun Apparel. The skills gained from the training is anticipated to boost the local fashion industry and encourage more locally-made garments.
These employers supported their employees to attend training two days per week. The training space for the students was provided by Danam (Fiji) Ltd and Motiram.
The APTC Fiji campus has also been actively assisting with relief efforts in Fiji, after Tropical Cyclone Winston. Staff and students travelled to remote villages and settlements in Naitasiri and Tailevu to help clean up and provide relief supplies. APTC carpentry students, led by national trainer Mr Sajendra Bali, helped repair and rebuild houses. A water tank donated by R.C. Manubhai was also installed at Dranu village in Tailevu.
In addition to its campus in Fiji, APTC has campuses in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.