The Tonga National Qualifications Authority Board (TNQAB) and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) are working together to bridge skills gaps and develop pathways for training and employment opportunities to accommodate labour mobility and portability of qualifications.
Both institutions signed a partnership to improve technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for an inclusive and skilled workforce for Tonga’s growth and progress.
The partnership is supported by Tonga and Australia to help strengthen Tonga’s TVET sector.
A key focus for TNQAB and APTC will be on enhancing the quality and relevance of TVET training, ensuring more Tongans are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be more competitive in domestic and international labour markets.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on 24 August, TNQAB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Opeti Pulotu said the collaboration is based on a genuine spirit of partnership, where both parties agree to complement each other’s efforts and embrace the contributions of other partners to enrich development outcomes.
“I’m confident that through our integrated, multi-sector, risk-based proportionate approach to development programming and by drawing upon skills and capabilities from around the region and internationally, this partnership will make a lasting contribution to addressing our development priorities for the benefit of generations to come,” he stated.
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Donald Mortimore commended the partners for their commitment to the shared objectives of the partnership that include improving quality delivery and relevance of training that aligns with Tonga’s National TVET Policy Framework and contributing to enhancing Tonga’s education sector.
APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Afioga Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa, said that APTC looks forward to supporting and adding value to TNQAB’s work.
“We look forward to leveraging this partnership to work closer in supporting TNQAB’s extensive work in enhancing training and assessment for TVET providers, increasing labour mobility and quality assurance activities and overall TVET opportunities for Tongans,” she added.
Both institutions share a history of engagement with each other. Last year, APTC worked with the TNQAB to develop the curriculum and facilitate the accreditation and registration of National Qualifications in Aged Care and Community Services Level II to enable more Tongans to become certified caregivers and take up improved employment opportunities in aged care within their communities.
The Level II course was registered on the Tonga Qualifications Framework and course delivery began last year, while development of Level III qualification is underway.
Earlier this year, APTC renewed its partnership with Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training (MET) and the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) to promote skills development for improved employment opportunities for Tongans.
APTC is Australia’s flagship TVET program for the region. Since its establishment in 2007, APTC has trained over 570 Tongan graduates to help improve their employment and livelihoods.