Australia-Pacific Technical College education available in Fiji
19 February, 2008
The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) was launched in Nadi today.
“The college will enhance graduates’ employment opportunities at home and abroad,” said the Australian High Commissioner, Mr James Batley.
“Australia recognises the key role of technical and vocational education and training in the contemporary labour market, and is pleased to support this through the Australia-Pacific Technical College,” Mr Batley said.
The Australian Government, through AusAID, is providing approximately $150 million over four years to fund the APTC.
It will equip 3,000 graduates from Fiji and other Pacific Island countries with Australian-standard qualifications in tourism and hospitality; automotive, construction, electrical and manufacturing trades; and health and community services.
APTC training centres are co-located with partner institutions in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. The APTC is coordinated from Fiji which is centrally located in the Pacific and has reliable regional communication links.
“The APTC has established partnerships with Pacific Island governments, education and business leaders to ensure that graduates have the appropriate skills to meet employment needs in the region,” Mr Batley said.
The School of Tourism and Hospitality in Vanuatu welcomed the first APTC trainees last year. Eleven of these students graduated earlier this month with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
In Fiji, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, classes have started for students in tourism and hospitality; automotive, construction, electrical and manufacturing. Courses in health and community services are scheduled to start in the second half of 2008.
Australia is also providing $10 million for APTC scholarships, to ensure access to training through the college for students from non-campus countries, as well as students from poorer backgrounds and remote locations.
One hundred and fifty eight scholarships have already been awarded to students from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga and Nauru.
**ENDS**