More APTC alumni from Kiribati will soon commence work in Australia’s aged care sector under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
Professional care providers and APTC alumni, Newton Ioane and Kinawa Marinati, have joined 11 other i-Kiribati nationals in Australia on a 3-year visa.
Both were recently part of a five-day Individual Support Refresher Training at the School of Nursing and Health (SONH) in Bikenibeu, Kiribati.
The refresher training, provided by APTC, was to strengthen participants’ skills and support their preparation for working in the aged care sector.
Out of the 18 participants, 11 were APTC graduates with qualifications in Individual Support, Aged Care and Hospitality.
APTC Specialist Adviser TVET Projects, Sandy O’Brien, said it is encouraging to see highly skilled Kiribati nationals recognised for their potential and afforded opportunities to support their livelihoods through gainful employment.
“This refresher training provided the participants an opportunity to refresh their skills and knowledge of the aged care sector. They were well engaged and benefitted from the training. For the hospitality participants, if interviewed, they will now have some aged care knowledge to complement their skills.
“I am personally delighted for those i-Kiribati men and women who have now been given this opportunity. They are compassionate and incredibly caring workers who will take good care of the elderly and that is what is important!”
Ms O’Brien added that two participants receiving their visas on the final day of the training to join their fellow citizens employed in Australia was icing on the cake.
“It was a nice end to the training, not only for the participants, but also for APTC and the Kiribati Ministry of Employment and Human Resources.”
The Pacific Labour Scheme provides an opportunity for Pacific Island citizens to earn an income, save money and send income home, allowing them to financially support their community and plan for the future. APTC is managed by TAFE Queensland and provides Australian qualifications to Pacific Island citizens.