A combined graduation ceremony for two government tertiary institutes saw 290 students receiving certificates for vocational education today, in Nuku'alofa.

The Tonga Institute of Science and Technology (TIST) awarded trade certificates to 215 students, in welding, automotive light vehicle, carpentry, electrical engineering, fitting and machining, panel beating, spray painting and plumbing.

The Tonga Maritime Polytechnical Institute (TMPI) awarded cerfiticates to 75 students, in general purpose rating, able body seafarer and master/engineer Class 6.

Prime Minister and Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Hu’akavemeiliku in presenting the certificates congratulated students and encouraged further studies.

“Your achievement today is not only that for your family, community, church but also for the country,” said the Prime Minister.

He said the new TVET coordination unit established in the Ministry of Education in April this year was instrumental in this important endeavour and they were grateful for the support form the Australian Goverment.

"This kind of education is also important to our economy, for instance the Tongan Government does not have to rely on employing foreign technicians and will generate more job opportunities for those who have successfully completed their vocational education and training such as you.

“We are living in an era where vocational skills should not be overlooked and univeristy degrees given the utmost importance. With more opportunities opening up increasingly for the youths and adults, the focus should be on the equal division in the academics and vocational education and raise confidence for all."

The ceremony, attended by a full house of families and friends at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, was the last graduation of the two institutes under the Ministry of Education, as next year both are expected to be under a new National University.