The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) is contributing towards the development of skilled workers in targeted sectors across the Pacific, including those in Small Island States such as Kiribati.
This week, APTC celebrated the success of 38 i-Kiribati students who graduated with APTC qualifications. This adds to the growing pool of more than 330 Kiribati citizens who have graduated from APTC since its establishment in 2007.
APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled Pacific workers.
This year’s graduation included 17 women who graduated in a variety of programs. Two women graduated in trades courses (Light Vehicle Technology and Wall and Floor Tiling) while another two were awarded dual qualifications in Home and Community Care/Aged Care. To date, 129 women from Kiribati have graduated from APTC.
The graduates were greatly encouraged by the presence of the President of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Mamau, who was at the ceremony to celebrate their success.
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister for Labour and Human Resources Department, Honourable Ruateki Tekaiara.
He congratulated the graduates and urged them to venture beyond their limits and share their APTC experiences.
“Many of our APTC graduates have been successful in gaining and retaining long term employment with international companies contracted to complete major infrastructure projects here in Tarawa including the Road Project and the Bairiki Housing Projects,” Hon. Mr Tekaiara added.
A key highlight of the graduation ceremony was the re-signing of the partnership agreement between APTC and KIT. The agreement ensures more prospects for i-Kiribati citizens in developing their vocational skills and enhancing employment opportunities.
“One of the key outcomes of the agreement has been the opportunity for high performing KIT Certificate 2 graduates to travel to APTC Fiji Campus to upgrade to Certificate 3 within their respective disciplines. These courses have only been offered by APTC for KIT and Kiribati and we are very grateful for this support from APTC,” Hon. Mr Tekaiara said.
In his closing remarks, Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati, His Excellency Bruce Cowled, expressed the Australian Government’s congratulation to the graduates.
He acknowledged the contribution made by APTC in collaboration with KIT, to deliver internationally recognised qualifications that would improve the employability of graduates both domestically and abroad.
He noted Australia’s long term commitment to supporting the Government of Kiribati improve market access and enhance labour mobility for the young men and women of Kiribati.
This was the 10th APTC graduation in Kiribati.
