It was a day of celebration for more than 90 Solomon Islanders who graduated with qualifications in 15 technical and vocational programs from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Honiara on 26 September.

The new graduates trained in a range of programs including air conditioning and refrigeration, carpentry, commercial cookery, community services, early childhood education and care, electrotechnology electrician, engineering (mechanical trade), hospitality, individual support, light vehicle mechanical technology, painting and decorating, patisserie, tourism, wall and floor tiling and community development.

They now join more than 1200 Solomon Islanders who have graduated from the College.

In his keynote address, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Mr Roderick Brazier, commended the graduates for their hard work and encouraged them to apply the skills they have acquired at their workplaces and in their communities.

HE Brazier added that APTC’s skills-based training is meeting national labour market demand for a wide range of vocational careers, which is supporting Solomon Islanders gain employment to raise their standard of living and contribute to economic growth.
APTC was established in 2007 after it was announced by the Australian Government at the Pacific Islands Forum. Since then, it has delivered Australian skills and qualifications to over 11,000 Pacific women and men.

HE Brazier also applauded APTC for successfully reaching the milestone of successfully delivering technical and vocational education and training (TEVT) in the Pacific for 10 years.

“The contributions made by APTC are a remarkable achievement. The Australian Government is proud to support APTC as a training centre that upskills Pacific Islanders.”

APTC continues to partner with national TVET institutions like the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to provide quality training to Solomon Islanders. Through this collaboration, 14 students who graduated with Certificate III in Hospitality at the ceremony, had the opportunity to train in the newly refurbished SINU kitchen and bar.

APTC also collaborates with Don Bosco Technical Institute as well as various industry stakeholders including Solomon Power, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and International Finance Corporation that has resulted in staff professional development.

“Through such collaborations in the Solomon Islands as well as in other Pacific Island countries, the Australian Government through APTC is helping make a lasting contribution to the development of the Pacific by providing their citizens with a learning environment that is aligned to international standards,” added HE Mr Brazier.

Another APTC graduation ceremony will be held on 28 September for 66 Solomon Islanders working within the industry in supervisory and training roles. These graduands will receive certificates in Leadership and Management, Training and Assessment, Carpentry, Automotive and Civil Construction Supervision.

The graduating class will also include students of APTC’s innovative Master Trainer program, which will enable them to deliver training to Australian standard.