Ninety-three (93) Samoans, including fifty-six (56) women, are the latest cohort of graduates to successfully complete their vocational studies with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
The training of the graduates was supported by Australia, which contributed to a skilled, inclusive, and productive workforce in Samoa.
Their achievements were celebrated at a graduation ceremony in Apia, Samoa, on 23 September 2022.
The graduates from various government agencies, private sector, non-government organisations, church organisations and the community received qualifications in different vocational fields such as construction, commercial Cookery, hospitality, counselling, International Skills Training and the Advanced Trainer and Assessor course.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, Acting Prime Minister who is also the Deputy Prime Minister for Samoa, acknowledged the contribution APTC is making to skills development in Samoa and commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
“I am confident that the new skills and knowledge you have acquired through APTC have equipped you well for success in life and work. I challenge you to take what you have learned and go out and make meaningful contributions in your workplaces and communities.”
The ceremony commemorated the first APTC cohort of Diploma of Counselling graduates in Samoa. This program was supported by stakeholders in the counselling sector, including Nuanua O le Alofa, Samoa Victim Support Group, YWCA Samoa, Talofa Kids, Ministry of Health, National University of Samoa and church communities.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Samoa build a skilled workforce.
“Australia will continue to support the Government of Samoa and the private sector as they look to build a skilled workforce that reflects a changing world, a workforce responsive to industry needs and ensures strong employment outcomes for graduates like you and those in the future,” she said.
She also made a special mention of the construction graduates and their role in climate resilience.
“As we continue to respond to the climate emergency together, it is essential that climate resilience is embedded in all aspects of our work. Supporting climate-resilient infrastructure is a key part of Australia’s commitment to our Blue Pacific region. I am encouraged that today’s graduates in construction will also be a part of the important work of building a climate-responsive and resilient Samoa.”
On behalf of the graduating cohort, Francis Clara Meredith-Ah Kuoi thanked everyone who supported the graduates in their studies.
“To our families, friends, and employers, your encouragement throughout the challenges we faced in completing our courses was the key to our success.”
The new graduates now join more than 17,000 Pacific Island citizens, including over 2000 Samoans, to receive Australian qualifications from APTC.