The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) and the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) have agreed to work collaboratively towards building the capacity of technical, vocational educationand training (TVET) in Fiji.
Both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to formalise their partnershipto implement joint initiatives and activities for development opportunities for those working in TVET,and to assist with designing projects and frameworks to ensure sustainable delivery of TVETeducation.
APTC and FHEC will jointly undertake a project to offer the Australian Certificate IV in Leadership andManagement to around 20 participants from national TVET institutes to allow them to gain specificskills and expertise as they transition into leadership and supervisory roles.
APTC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Denise O’Brien, said APTC looks forward to working with FHEC ineffectively contributing towards the development of the national workforce.
“The role TVET plays in educating and skilling Fijian citizens of all ages is key to economic prosperity. APTC welcomes this collaboration with FHEC as we are both committed to quality in this growing andvibrant education sector,” she said.
APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering
Australian-standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workersacross the Pacific.
Under the partnership, FHEC will discuss with national TVET institutes the possibility of capacity building in the area of competency-based training. The two organisations also hope to cooperate and share information on the development of a national competency framework for teachers.
FHEC Director, Ms Linda Aumua, said that the partnership with APTC would assist FHEC in supporting greater leadership and quality assurance capability within higher education institutions.
She added that FHEC looks forward to developing further through this partnership the up-skilling of students and teachers specifically within TVET, which will contribute to employment and career pathways in building a relevant national workforce.
FHEC was established to ensure that higher education institutions in Fiji pursue an indispensable level of quality, excellence and relevance in higher education that is globally competitive and internationally recognised. FHEC appreciates the support of the New Zealand Government through the Fiji Higher
Education Improvement programme to achieve these goals.
The MOU is effective until June 2018.
