More than 560 students were welcomed by the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) across its five campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu with a two-day orientation program. 

The orientation sessions held on 15 and 16 January provided key information to APTC’s newest students who joined for Semester 1, 2018 and helped them kick-start their journey of achieving internationally-recognised qualifications.

APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.

During the orientation, students were provided with valuable information on APTC facilities, student support services, regulations and students responsibilities, to help equip them with the tools they need to complete their course and become successful APTC graduates.

APTC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Denise O’Brien wished the students well for the next six-months of their studies. 

“We want to ensure students have access to personal development and the ability to build their expertise to enable them to not only be valuable employees but also to contribute towards their families and communities,” she added.

APTC Fiji Campus welcomed over 250 students, including 70 international students, during the orientation held in Suva. These students will be undertaking training in 15 different technical and vocational courses. 

Ms Lora Rogoyawa, a Fijian student pursuing Certificate III in Cookery, says she is looking forward to upgrading her qualifications. 

“I’ve been working in the area of cookery but I don’t have qualifications in this area. In order for me to be recognised for my work, I need to get the certificate and I’m looking forward to working hard to achieve it,” she added. 

Ms Cherly Masa from the Solomon Islands, hopes the APTC training will empower her to make a difference in her country. 

“I only had a certificate in sewing and tailoring from the vocational training school in Solomon Islands. I have been sewing for the past seven years and my plan is to successfully complete the APTC certificate and go back home to run my own business and sewing class.”

Ms Masa will be undertaking Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design at APTC Fiji Campus. 

Another student, Mr Viliami Vainoka from Tonga, who will be undertaking Certificate III in Carpentry, said he will use the skills and new knowledge to improve his business. 
“I want to improve my knowledge in carpentry and when I go back to Tonga I want to enhance my business so I can look after my family and the people who work for me,” he said.