01st October, 2018 The Minister for Education and Training Hon. Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita awarded certificates to 45 graduates from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) last Friday morning 28th of September at Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
Qualifications were awarded in nine different courses including Air-conditioning and Refrigeration, Carpentry, Fabrication Trade, Mechanical Trade, Individual Support, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, Pluming Training and Assessment and International Training and Assessment Course (ITAC). Out of the 45 graduates, 20 of them were women.
Hon. Fifita said, “Women are crucial contributors to families and societies and it is encouraging to see women taking up the opportunity to pursue further skills. Since APTC’s establishment, more than 450 Tongan nationals have graduated from APTC, of whom more than 230 are women.”
He acknowledged the support of the Government of Australia through APTC which contributes to the development of the workforce and improves employment opportunities for Tonga.
Hon. Fifita said that the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV who was the Crown Prince and Minister of Education of that time “successfully established a universal education system” with the vision to help every Tongan to read and write and to provide them with training opportunities abroad.
“This legacy is what drives the Ministry of Education and Training to commit all its resources in developing the capabilities and capacities of Tongan people. Our vision is to ensure that our people achieve excellence in education.”
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga H.E. Mr Andrew Ford said that the skills and knowledge graduates have attained through their training at APTC is not only recognised locally but also in Australia and internationally.
He said that the Australia-Tonga Partnership Arrangement 2016-2019 assist cross cutting priorities that are significant to address barriers to
- economic growth and poverty reduction in Tonga
- climate change and disaster resilience
- women and girls empowerment and
- disability inclusion
“In addition, through Tonga Skills for Inclusive Economic Growth Program the Australia Government is investing $7.5 million from 2016-2021 to facilitate skills training opportunities for Tongans aligned to labour market demand and growth opportunities. The program also has a focus on opportunities for women and those with disability.”
Ford said that the Australian Government is also supporting other educational opportunities including the Australia Awards scholarships and the New Colombo Plan.
Since 1997, Australia has provided almost 400 scholarships to Tongan students. 34 Tongans are also set to commence their studies next year under Australia Awards Scholarships and a further 37 have been offered scholarships for 2019.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.