APTC graduates welcomed as newest members of Samoa’s workforce

23 Sep 2019

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) awarded 40 Samoans, of whom 22 are women, with internationally recognised qualifications at a graduation ceremony in Apia on Thursday 19 September. 

The graduation ceremony saw the proud graduates, who studied at APTC locations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa, receive qualifications including Education Support, Fabrication, Hospitality, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Plumbing and Tourism.

As Australia’s flagship technical and vocational education and training (TVET) program, APTC has helped more than 1700 Samoans gain Australian skills and qualifications in a wide range of vocational careers.

The graduation ceremony was officiated by Honourable Loau Keneti Sio, Minister for Education, Sports and Culture; Charge d’Affaires Amanda Jewell, Australian High Commission to Samoa; and Cheri Robinson Moors, APTC’s Country Director for Samoa and Tonga.

In his keynote address, the Minister congratulated the newest cohort of graduates for their respective accomplishments in completing their training.

“An Australian qualification is a significant achievement. On graduating today, you are in a position to put your internationally recognised qualifications into practice as part of the Samoan workforce here at home and abroad,” he said.

He also commended the 22 female graduates, saying they are role models and an inspiration to other women intending to pursue technical and vocational education and training.  

Of the more than 1700 Samoan nationals who have graduated from APTC since its establishment, 47 per cent are women.

Hon. Loau Keneti Sio concluded his address with well wishes for the graduates as valuable members of Samoa’s workforce and encouraged them to use their newfound skills and knowledge in their workplaces and communities.

“As part of the regional APTC alumni of more than 14,000 graduates, I look forward to your contributions to Samoa and the region,” he concluded. 

In her remarks, Charge d’Affaires Amanda Jewell said that the Australian Government shares the Government of Samoa’s desire for the best possible employment outcomes for Samoans.

“We recognise that this goal cannot be met in isolation, and that it can only be reached by working in partnership.

“The Australian Government will continue working with APTC to ensure that training meets employer needs for jobs now and in the future, as well as self-employment opportunities. We look forward to seeing the benefits of Samoa’s TVET sector grow from strength to strength each year,” she concluded.

APTC is committed and focused on partnerships with industry and education stakeholders to improve employment outcomes for graduates, while contributing to a more productive and efficient workforce.

Now in its third stage, APTC will continue to deliver high quality, internationally recognised training to improve graduates' employment outcomes, support greater investment in skills training, and promote higher quality TVET delivery in Samoa and across the broader Pacific.