A total of 49 Tongan students received their certificates in specialized technical and vocational training from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, graduating on March 6.

The graduates were awarded Australian standard qualifications in five different programs from community services to engineering, fabrication trade, painting and decorating, leadership and management, international skills training and key management skills set.

Australian High Commissioner Designate to Tonga HE Mr Adrian Morrison in congratulating graduates said receiving an Australian qualification is a significant achievement.

"You are now ready to put your internationally recognized qualifications into practice as part of the Tongan workforce. That’s important not just for each graduate but also in increasing economic opportunity and improving livelihoods, which is to the greater benefit of Tonga and the region as a whole."

“Decent employment means greater opportunities for a better income, which improves livelihoods and lifts people out of poverty. We are also very encouraged to see 33 women graduating at this ceremony in a range of courses, he said.

“Moreover, APTC’s enhanced approach to creating pathways between skills development and employment will ensure graduates can access national labour markets as well as take advantage of regional opportunities, such as Australia’s new Pacific Labour Scheme.

"The Pacific Labour Scheme will enable Pacific workers to obtain a visa for up to three years to take up non-seasonal work in areas of high demand in Australia, gaining significant experience to bring home as well as supporting Pacific economies through increased remittances to communities."

Graduates join more than 490 Tongans who have graduated from APTC since its establishment in 2006, 49% of whom are women.

Certificates were presented by the High Commissioner, APTC CEO Soli Middleby and Vice-President Tonga Chamber of Commerce, Sam Vea in Nuku’alofa.