2019 Alumni News

It was a momentous occasion for APTC as it welcomed its 15,000th graduate during the Tonga Graduation Ceremony in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday 30 October, 2019. Palepina Maniana Poi Tonga was one of the 13 Tongan nationals graduating on the day and the 15,000th graduate of APTC. She was awarded a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB42015) after weeks of strenuous juggling between work, family and training.

Promoting inclusive education and supporting students with dyslexia is a major goal for Vila North School (VNS) this year. This goal was realised with support from VNS Principal, Ms Elina Gilu, and two Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) Education Support alumni who are currently teaching at the school.

An ambassador for women in the carpentry trade, Gail Tamakam, from Vanuatu has been in the construction industry for over 20 years and working with men is nothing new for her. The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) graduate completed studies at Certificate III level in wall and floor tiling in Fiji, followed by carpentry in her home country. Ms Tamakam has gone from strength to strength in the construction industry, and remains passionate about her work, part of which includes sharing her knowledge with students.