Photos by Linny Folau

A total of 72 students received certificates in specialized technical and vocational training from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) during a graduation ceremony in Nuku’alofa on Thursday, 27 August.

The Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva awarded the certificates accompanied by Denise O’Brien APTC CEO, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Students who are mostly employed in the public service or private sector were awarded certificates in carpentry, electro-technology electricians, engineering fabrication trade, engineering-mechanical trade (fitting and machining), hospitality, light vehicle mechanical technology, painting and decorating, plumbing, tourism, wall and floor tiling, and training and assessment.

The Prime Minister said from government’s perspective this occasion is a source of pride and inspiration because it promotes skill development in domestic training institutions and mobilization of external training opportunities.

“We are grateful for the immense contribution of the APTC and the Government of Australia to complement and complete the Technical and Vocational Training program (TVET),” he said.

“I note with immense interest and appreciation that at least two of the graduates are very senior in the public service and are recognized professionals. Furthermore, there is at least one female graduate with a trade qualification with completion of her Certificate Three (III) in electro-technology and is using her specialized skills in a family business.”

The Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Brett Aldam said this graduation celebrated the important development of technical and vocational training; with skills that are transferrable and can improve and achieve social and economic outcomes for Tonga.

“These skills can lift the standards and boost economic growth nationally. These skills can also be transferred to overseas markets for those who have earned these qualifications,” he said.

APTC is a development initiative funded by the Government of Australia to deliver training and increase the supply of skilled workers in specialized sectors in the Pacific region with campuses in Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Solomon Islands.

Tonga does not have a campus so these adult students studied at the other Pacific campuses while the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment was held in Tonga by TVET. Studies took at least least six-months.