Fifty-one new graduates have been successfully trained through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) to further support a skilled workforce in Vanuatu.
The achievements of these graduates were recognised at a graduation ceremony on 2 September 2021 in Port Vila.
The graduates received qualifications in three programs: Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213), Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30211) and Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40116).
While delivering the keynote address, Balance of Power’s Strategy and Programs Director, Jennifer Kalpokas Doan, congratulated the graduates for their determination in achieving their goals despite facing disruptions to their studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I commend you for your dedication and sacrifice in completing your studies. This achievement is special and I encourage you to use your skills and knowledge in your workplaces and communities,” she said.
The Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, H.E Sarah deZoeten, reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting skills development in Vanuatu and the region to ensure the best possible employment outcomes for graduates.
“I am so pleased to see women and men from all across Vanuatu obtaining a range of important and sought-after qualifications. For example, the new carpentry graduates have the skills to work on various construction projects underway around Vanuatu and build better and stronger. The education support qualification is part of Vanuatu and Australia’s joint effort to improve access to education and leave no one behind,” said the High Commissioner.
The Education Support program had a high number of graduates from the rural and remote areas of Vanuatu. They learned a range of skills to work in diverse educational environments.
“Being part of the APTC training has broadened my skills and knowledge to continue providing more support for more inclusive education in my province,” said Kandy Toa, a graduate in Education Support.
APTC continues to deliver its courses on-campus, on-line, as well as provides flexible face-to-face training in remote parts of Vanuatu.
The graduates are the latest cohort to join over 17,000 APTC alumni in the region. Since its establishment in 2007, APTC has trained 2,167 Vanuatu nationals.