The Vanuatu workforce is set to benefit from newly skilled graduates of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
Forty-two new graduates, including 28 women, received qualifications in six technical and vocational programs at the APTC graduation ceremony in Port Vila on 19 October, 2023. This group joins over 30 individuals who have graduated with an APTC qualification in the provinces within the last four months.
The graduation ceremony also celebrated the achievements of the staff from the Vanuatu Police Force who have enhanced their leadership skills after completing the Australian standard Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520).
In his keynote address, the Director General of the Ministry of Education and Training, Mr Bergman Iati encouraged the graduates to be innovative in their field.
“The skills sector thrives on innovation. Be open to new ideas, technologies and methodologies. Seek opportunities to improve and innovate in your field and you will find doors opening that you never knew existed,” Mr Iati said.
In her closing remarks, Her Excellency Heidi Bootle, the Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, emphasised the Australian Government's commitment to equal educational opportunities for women and girls.
“I am also pleased that almost half of the cohort graduating today is women. Well done! The Australian Government is ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education as it is an important part of advancing gender equality,” she said.
Through collaboration with regional industry stakeholders, APTC ensures that its training programs remain relevant and aligned with current and future career prospects in high-demand industries which benefits both the labour market and graduates.
“Australia is pleased to support development across Vanuatu through APTC and other initiatives like the Vanuatu Skills Partnership,” Ms Bootle added.
Franciska Makie, who completed the Individual Support course, urged her fellow graduates to uphold the fundamental values of their profession. She stressed the importance of demonstrating respect, compassion and empathy in their daily interactions with those they serve.
“Our time in this program has been transformative, both personally and professionally. We have gained knowledge, skills, and experiences that have prepared us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I congratulate you all for making it this far. Despite the challenges we faced during our learning journey, I am proud to say, we did it,” Ms Makie remarked in her graduate address.
The new graduates completed internationally recognised qualifications Carpentry, Wall and Floor Tiling, Tourism, Hospitality, Applied Fashion Design, Individual support, Leadership and Management, and International Skills Training Trainer and Assessor courses.
Since its establishment in 2007, APTC has trained over 19,000 Pacific Island citizens, including over 2400 Vanuatu nationals, in a range of vocational courses.