A total of 45 Tongan students received their certificates in specialized vocational training from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition during its graduation in Nuku’alofa on September 28.

The graduates, including 20 women, were awarded Australian standard qualifications in nine different programs, from air-conditioning and refrigeration, to carpentry, fabrication trade, mechanical trade, individual support, light vehicle mechanical technology, plumbing, training and assessment and International Training and Assessment Course (ITAC).

The Minister for Education, Hon. Penisimani Fifita in congratulating the graduates said for more than a decade, APTC had been a centre of training excellence helping men and women in the Pacific gain Australian skills and qualifcations for a wide range of vocational careers. “A well informed and educated society is fundamental to Tonga’s well being.”

Labour market 

Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Andrew Ford was pleased that the skills and knowledge attained through this training was not only recognized locally but in Australia and internationally, enabling them to seek opportunities overseas.

He said Australia’s repositioning of APTC as the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, was to ensure that APTC played an even greater role in supporting the Pacific step-up of the skills agenda in support of jobs, growth and Pacific-led sustainable development.

In August, former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Julie Bishop launched APTC on Phase 3, which would not only build on its existing relationships, but also forge new partnerships with industry and national and regional training providers, address skills shortages in the region, encourage co-investment in skill training and strengthen TVET training systems across the Pacific.

He said these enhancements would see a stronger emphasis on boosting employment outcomes with a focus on skills creation carefully linked to skills mobility to prepare Pacific Islanders to take advantage of regional and international labour market opportunities.

"Today is also a new day of opportunity. Opportunity to use your skills to pursue new directions for the benefit of yourselves, your family and your country," he said.