Education

New skilled graduates to bolster Vanuatu workforce

by Sherita Sharma · Published April 19, 2018 · Updated April 28, 2018

On 12 April, more than 100 ni-Vanuatu graduated from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) with Australian technical and vocational qualifications that will benefit them, their employers and the Vanuatu economy.

The students graduated in 13 different technical and vocational programs. These included carpentry, commercial cookery, community services, early childhood education and care, education support, engineering – mechanical trade, hospitality, light vehicle mechanical technology, plumbing, tourism, disability, leadership and management, and youth work.

Mr Marksuel Nausien, who is the first Vanuatu graduate in Certificate IV in Disability receives his certificate from the Australian High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Ms Jenny Da Rin.

Amongst the graduates was also Mr Marksuel Nausien, who is the first Vanuatu graduate in Certificate IV in Disability.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Warwick Le Lagon Vanuatu, Acting Director General of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Mr Paco Siri, congratulated the graduates on their achievements and hard work in attaining an Australian qualification. Mr Siri made special mention of the 52 women graduates on their achievements. These women join over 900 Ni-Vanuatu women who have graduated from APTC.

Mr Siri thanked the Australian Government for contributing towards the skills development of people in Vanuatu, and in particular, for providing training to 18 emerging leaders from Vanuatu’s law and justice sector through the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management program.

Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Ms Jenny Da Rin, extended Australia’s best wishes to the graduates.

“Australia is proud to be a lead partner in the education and training sector, working very closely with the Ministry of Education and Training to improve access, quality and management of education from kindergarten through to technical and vocational skills and university. Our support aims to provide more opportunities and pathways for learning and employment,” said Ms Da Rin.

Graduates celebrate their achievement during the APTC graduation ceremony in Vanuatu last week.

APTC is a flagship program of the Australian Government that has trained over 12,000 Pacific graduates since it commenced operations in 2007. To date, the College has trained over 1770 ni-Vanuatu, of which, 54 per cent are women, as well as 10 graduates with disabilities. APTC offers training to students from 14 Pacific countries and has campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.