106 Solomon Islanders awarded APTC Internationally recognized qualifications and hailed as role models for TVET
A graduation ceremony was held in Honiara on Wednesday this week for the latest group of one hundred and six Solomon Islanders who had graduated with internationally recognized qualifications in 17 technical and vocational programs from the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
Qualifications awarded at the ceremony were in the areas of: Hospitality, Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, Applied Fashion and Design, Carpentry, Commercial Cookery, Education Support, Fabrication Trade, Mechanical Trade (Maintenance) Diesel Fitting Pathway, Hospitality, Individual Support, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, Tourism, and Wall and Floor Tiling
Dr Jimmy Rogers, the Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, speaking at the graduation ceremony congratulated the graduants and said they were hailed as role models of TVET.
He went on to say, “I encourage APTC graduates to go on to use your exceptional skills and contribute to developing your respective industries and the economy as a whole. You all are role models of how TVET can be a choice for a future proofed career that drives economic progress in our country and the region.”
In his closing address to the graduates, the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Dr Lachlan Strahan, said Australia is committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to improve access to quality TVET and to strengthen key education institutions in the country.
“I am very pleased to announce that the Australian Government has significantly increased its funding for APTC in Solomon Islands. That means more Solomon Islanders will be able to gain internationally recognised qualifications,” Dr Strahan said.
He added that with the additional funding, APTC will provide more training to Solomon Islanders to ensure they are competitive for labour mobility programs, in line with the Solomon Islands Government’s priorities.
It is said the Australia’s flagship the Technical and Vocational Education Training Program TVET program, delivered by APTC had trained over 15,000 Pacific women and men, including more than 1,100 men and more than 860 women in Solomon Islands, since its commencement in 2007.
Source: Solomon Times on Line.
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