Australia has supported the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) to train 32 new i-Kiribati graduates who will contribute their skills and knowledge to the country’s workforce and economic development.
The achievements of the graduates, including 16 women, were celebrated at a graduation ceremony at the Kiribati Institute of Technology in Tarawa on Wednesday, 27 September 2023.
The students completed internationally recognised qualifications in four technical and vocational programs: Commercial Cookery, Carpentry, Individual Support, and International Skills Training (IST) Trainer and Assessor courses.
The graduating cohort also included a trailblazing female carpenter who overcame gender barriers in Kiribati's male-dominated field of carpentry.
In his remarks, Jason Flello, Executive Director for Kiribati Institute of Technology, congratulated the students on their achievements. He highlighted the transformative potential of the Australian-standard qualifications to open new doors and create better employment opportunities within Kiribati and beyond.
He also acknowledged the Australian Government for supporting skills development in Kiribati and in the Pacific region through APTC, which has been working in partnership with the Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) for more than a decade.
“The partnership between KIT and APTC exemplifies the Australian Government’s commitment to the region, emphasising the importance of regionalism and collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges. Let’s celebrate the success of our partnership – the graduates. As the director of KIT, I express pride in our team APTC and KIT and I look forward to continuing our partnership,” Mr Flello said.
As part of the APTC-KIT partnership, 25 staff members from KIT completed the IST qualifications which will help them in strengthening training delivery.
Mr Flello also commended the 16 graduating women for their determination and commitment to pursuing TVET training, adding their achievement is an inspiration for other women to embrace challenges and explore non-traditional trades.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati, Anthony Liew, congratulated the new graduates and wished them well for their future careers.
He encouraged the graduating students to harness their passion and newly acquired skills to make a positive impact in Kiribati and beyond, as their qualifications would expand their domestic, regional and international employment prospects. This in turn would help to foster greater economic opportunities for their families and communities.
Mr Liew reiterated Australia's support for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Kiribati through the APTC and the Skills for Employment Program, which is playing a vital role in providing demand-driven skills and qualifications.
The new graduates join more than 19,000 alumni, including over 736 i-Kiribati nationals, to be trained by APTC. Their accomplishments represent a significant step forward in building a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Kiribati.