The Australian Government through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and the Kiribati Facility has been supporting the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) – a key vocational training provider in Kiribati, to deliver enhanced training and practical learning opportunities to students.
APTC CEO, Soli Middleby, and Secretary for the Kiribati Ministry of Employment and Human Resource, Tiene Tooki Kanoua, renewed the partnership between the two organisations in a virtual signing ceremony on Friday 9 October 2020. This formalises the partnership to June 2022.
The renewed partnership builds on a positive foundation of respect and trust developed over 12 years of collaboration on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The shared objective of the renewed agreement is to “develop quality, empowered professionals who demonstrate the skills required to contribute to productivity and prosperity in Kiribati”.
The partnership focusses on increasing and enhancing training options to improve employment outcomes for students and to build the capability of staff from both organisations through joint professional development and training activities.
Delivering remarks virtually, APTC CEO, Ms Middleby, said APTC is delighted to work in partnership with the KIT to improve access to training and skills development for I-Kiribati youths and to support the strengthening of the country’s TVET sector.
She also added the partnership would pave the way to deliver real outcomes for students through higher quality training, skills development and employment.
“We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with KIT, a leading vocational training provider in Kiribati. This creates exciting opportunities for joint explorations in the area of technical and vocational education and training,” she said.
Signing on behalf of KIT in the presence of the Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati, His Excellency Bruce Cowled, and Secondary Secretary, Karley Walton, Ms Kanoua said KIT was pleased to collaborate with APTC, to explore ways to work together on TVET and innovative projects across a range of disciplines and shared challenges.
“The agreement provides an opportunity to provide technical capacity building for KIT trainers and staff, for students to be involved in APTC’s programs and to take advantage of pathways to other training opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge through hands-on experience,” she said.
In endorsing the agreement, the Secretary acknowledged APTC for its engagement and longstanding partnership with KIT, which has contributed to prosperity and development in Kiribati.
APTC and KIT initially established a partnership in 2008. Since then both parties have collaborated and exchanged expertise in common areas of interest, with KIT students obtaining Australian qualifications in various courses.