APTC graduates realise dreams of further learning

13 June 2019

Achieving dreams was the theme of the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC)’s first-ever graduation ceremony held in Santo on Friday, 17 May, 2019.

38 International Skills Training (IST) awardees, 11 of whom are women, are now equipped to support the delivery of accredited training across a range of fields.

In addition, 19 graduates were participants in the first-ever plumbing short course delivered in Santo by Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) trainer, James Roy Matariki and accredited to the Vanuatu Qualifications Authority, marking a new chapter in skills development.

Keynote speaker, Deputy Lord Mayor Mrs Renata Netaf, while speaking to the 57 ni-Vanuatu women and men urged them to recognise their dreams.

“Be determined, be strong, be courageous and remain loyal to your dream and calling. The world of employment awaits you and now, it is your time to venture out and put the trade skills you learn into practice,” she said.

Anglican Board of Education Chair, Reverend Bishop Patterson Worek, who travelled from Sola in the Banks specifically to congratulate the IST graduates said their skills would support Vanuatu’s development.

“Today marks the realisation of a dream that Anglican Church of Melanesia in Vocational Education and Training School (ACOMVETS) has had for a number of years which is to build and strengthen our rural training skills to support Vanuatu’s development. We had a dream, and now it has come true,” he said.

The IST was supported through arrangements between APTC, Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) and ACOMVETS.

Australian High Commission in Vanuatu representative, Ms Christelle Thieffry, highlighted that the much-anticipated plumbing training would meet plumbing demands in Vanuatu.

“Offering rural plumbing training has been a dream that was three years in the making. Australia supports skills development across Vanuatu and plumbing is an area of high demand. Australia is pleased to support ‘The People’s Plan’ making this possible through the partnership between APTC, VSP and the Torgil Rural Training Centre,” she said.

APTC Country Director for Vanuatu and Nauru, Ms Anna Naupa, commended ACOMVETS and the VSP for co-investing in skills development.

“APTC’s ability to meet the skills and training needs of Vanuatu’s northern population is possible because we had co-contribution to training costs from ACOMVETS and VSP and we encourage others to also see the value in skills training for Vanuatu’s development. APTC is committed to working in partnership to promote quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) delivery in Vanuatu,” she said.

The first ever APTC graduation in Santo ceremony not only marked APTC’s increasing delivery beyond the capital, but also enabled graduates from the northern provinces to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family.