170 Samoans graduate from APTC with Australian qualifications

Apia, Samoa – 16 August 2024 – One hundred seventy Samoans recently graduated from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) with Australian-standard qualifications across 12 diverse courses.

The ceremony, held at the National University of Samoa Gymnasium, celebrated the achievements of the graduates, including 91 women.

The graduating cohort also included 42 staff from key government agencies, including the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, Electric Power Corporation, and the Land Transport Authority.

The graduates were conferred with qualifications in construction, drainage, plumbing services, carpentry, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, community services, hospitality, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, International Skills Training (IST) Trainer and Assessor course and the Advanced Trainer and Assessor course.

Their qualifications equip them with the skills needed to excel in the regional and domestic job markets.

Agalelei Lapepe Lupesoliai, who graduated with the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, is a shining example of the transformative power of TVET education.

“My journey from learning the trade hands-on from my mechanic father, who works on car stereo installations and repairs, to securing a position at Asco Motors Samoa has been incredible,” she said.

“APTC has not only advanced my career but also empowered me to contribute significantly to my family’s income. I hope my story inspires other women in Samoa and beyond to pursue their passion and take up technical and vocational education and training (TVET) if they wish to.”

APTC graduate from the community services course, Milovale Lama, with Afioga Leota Laki Lamositele and Australia’s High Commissioner, H.E. William Robinson.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Afioga Leota Laki Lamositele, congratulated the graduates and commended APTC for its role in promoting gender equity and social inclusion.

“The high number of women graduates is a testament to the inclusive nature of the APTC program,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude for the Australian Government’s ongoing support for TVET in Samoa.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency William Robinson, echoed the Minister’s sentiments.

“Today’s graduates are not only celebrating personal achievements but also laying the foundation for a brighter future for Samoa,” he said.

“The Australian Government is proud to support APTC, the Samoan Government, and its TVET institutions in delivering high-quality TVET programs that empower individuals and strengthen communities.”

Since 2007, APTC has proudly supported the training of over 42,700 Pacific Islanders and Timorese. This includes more than 5,100 Samoans, of whom 2,814 are women and 136 are persons with disabilities.

APTC graduates in Samoa celebrate their achievements at the graduation ceremony in Apia on 8 August, 2024.