The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) continues to support the skills development of Solomon Islanders through Australian standard training.
Eighty-five APTC students were all smiles as they graduated with internationally recognised qualifications in 17 technical programs, in Honiara on Wednesday 27 February 2019.
These programs included: Air-Conditioning, Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Carpentry, Commercial Cookery, Electrotechnology, Fabrication Trade, Fitting and Machining, Diesel Fitting, Hospitality, Individual Support, Leadership and Management, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Painting and Decorating, Tourism, and Wall and Floor Tiling.
As Australia’s flagship technical and vocational education and training (TVET) program, APTC has trained over 13,000 Pacific women and men, including more than 1,500 Solomon Islanders, since its inception in 2007.
While delivering the keynote address, Caretaker Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honourable Rick Houenipwela, congratulated the new graduates and said it is impressive to see the increasing number of Solomon Islanders and other Pacific Island graduates with skills training relevant to the regional labour market.
10 police officers, including three from the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands, graduated with Certificate IV in Leadership and Management during the graduation. APTC delivered the program as part of the Solomon Islands Police Development Program’s initiative to upskill police officers in existing and emerging management and supervisory roles.
Caretaker Prime Minister Hon Houenipwela also acknowledged the 32 women who graduated during the ceremony, and thanked APTC for providing equal opportunities for everyone to upskill.
APTC is now in its third stage and will continue to deliver high quality, internationally recognised training to improve graduates' employment outcomes, support greater investment in skills training, and promote higher quality TVET delivery across the Pacific.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Roderick Brazier, commended the graduates for reaching a milestone achievement.
“Today is a stepping stone as you embark on contributing to a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce for your country and region,” he said.
Recognising that inclusive economic growth and strengthened human productivity will underpin national stability, Australia has been working in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government to assist in the country’s National Development Strategy.
This was the first APTC graduation this year for Solomon Islands.