Australia recently supported 15 trainers from various educational institutions in Santo located in Sanma Province, Vanuatu to complete the International Skills Training (IST) Advanced Trainer and Assessor Course delivered by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
The IST courses support the demand for quality training and assessment skills to boost trainer capacity and increase the number of skilled workers, ensuring improved employment outcomes in Vanuatu.
The training was part of Australia’s ongoing support to Vanuatu’s economic recovery, particularly in ensuring training skills for the growth of vital industries and communities.
The 15 trainers from Ituani Vocational Skills Centre, Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) and Saint Michel Technical College celebrated their achievements in July at a graduation ceremony in Santo.
Among the graduates were five women who were recognised for their commitment to professional development, breaking barriers and their contribution to education and training.
Keynote speaker, Principal of Bombua Secondary School, Mr Jimmy Solomon, urged the graduates to use their skills and knowledge to strengthen Vanuatu’s TVET system.
“Our nation's future lies in the hands of the young minds sitting in our classrooms, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture and guide them towards a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
APTC Country Director for Vanuatu and Nauru, Mr Nicholas Venables, congratulated the graduates and commended them on their dedication to completing the qualification while also thanking partners for investing in their employees.
“APTC values these partnerships as we continue to upskill our national trainers to deliver quality accredited training and encourage more people to be trained in TVET courses.”
Saint Michel Technical College trainer, Mr Steve Sinker, said the training benefits his teaching career and enhances his practical skills through hands-on experiences.
“We value the opportunity to undertake the IST course with APTC. It has enhanced our personal and professional growth, and enabled us to deliver high-quality education, preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow,” Mr Sinker added.
The First Secretary to the Australian High Commission to Vanuatu, Ms Stephanie Kimber emphasised on the Australian Government’s support for lifelong learning in today's ever-changing world.
“People who are passionate about skills development always talk about lifelong learning. I know that the Government of Vanuatu believes in this and Australia does too. It does not matter how old you are, what island you are in or where you are from, everyone can learn something. Everyone can update their skills if given the opportunity to do so,” she said.
The new graduates joined more than 2,000 ni-Vanuatu graduates, of whom 54 percent are women, to have graduated from APTC since 2007.