A new partnership between the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and three Samoan Government institutions will help enhance the skills of the Samoan workforce in the energy, water and security sectors.
The Electric Power Cooperation (EPC), Samoa Water Authority (SWA) and the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) signed a Memorandum of Agreements with APTC on 17 March 2023.
Under the partnership, APTC will provide training to EPC, SWA and SPPCS staff in targeted areas such as construction, plumbing/drainage, work health and safety, International Skills Training, language, literacy and numeracy, and digital literacy.
The Minister for Samoa’s Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Honourable Faualo Harry Schuster, said the partnership represents a strong commitment towards delivering high-quality, accessible and relevant education and training for people in the workplace.
“I commend the EPC, SWA and SPPCS for working collaboratively towards the main objective of enhancing the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce to improve on their capacity to strengthen the delivery of its services through a respected and recognised partnership with APTC,” he said.
APTC will also collaborate with the SPPCS to provide training assistance to prisoners as part of the rehabilitation process to ensure they are reintegrated back into society and become productive citizens.
SPPCS Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said they look forward to the partnership with APTC for continuous staff capacity building and rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners.
He added the implementation of the agreement will ensure that the SPPCS can continue to improve on the service delivery of its core functions for a safe and secure Samoa.
The SWA Managing Director, Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger, said opportunities to enhance the key skills of SWA staff will be explored through the collaboration with APTC.
“SWA prioritises the professional development of our staff as we aim to create a highly-skilled and motivated workforce that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of our industry,” he said.
The EPC General Manager, Faumui Iese Toimoana, said EPC has always had a relationship with APTC to support the professional development needs of its staff. He further said that the new agreement signing is the first step to a long-term partnership between them.
The partnership contributes to Australia’s ongoing support in building a strong and resilient Samoa.
Australian Acting High Commissioner to Samoa, Ms Claire McGeechan, said Australia is working with the Government of Samoa to enhance the skills of Samoan workers for sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
“Government agencies such as EPC, SWA and SPPCS provide essential contributions that directly impact the lives of every Samoan, from ensuring access to clean water and electricity, to promoting safe and secure communities. Strengthening the capabilities of Samoa’s public sector ensures all Samoans can enjoy healthy and productive lives,” she added.
The Interim APTC Executive Director, Nicki Baird, acknowledged the EPC, SWA and SPPCS for their commitment to this partnership. She said APTC looks forward to working with the partners to support the Samoan workforce with skills that will contribute to national prosperity and progress.
The partnership will enable further learning and employment opportunities for APTC’s Community Services, Plumbing and Construction students to take up work placements with the EPC, SWA and SPPCS.
The three Government Agencies will also be supporting industry currency for APTC trainers. They will also work together on joint Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) initiatives that support inclusive TVET for all Samoans.
