Education

Australia continues to invest in Pacific skills

by Sherita Sharma · Published August 10, 2018 · Updated August 29, 2018

Today we announce the Australian Government will build on its longstanding investment in Pacific skills by strengthening Australia’s flagship Pacific vocational training facility.

*The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivering her address at the Launch of the Third Phase of APTC.*

Since its inception in 2007, the Australia-Pacific Technical College has transformed the lives of over 12,000 graduates from 14 Pacific Island countries by providing them with Australian-standard technical and vocational qualifications.

*The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, unveiling the APTC brand during the Launch of the Third Phase of APTC.*

The APTC will be rebranded to the Australia Pacific Training Coalition to reflect changes in its approach, which are designed to strengthen innovation in the delivery of training and increase engagement with the private sector.

These enhancements will see a stronger emphasis placed on boosting employment outcomes, addressing skills shortages in the region and strengthening technical and vocational educational training systems in Pacific Island countries.

The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs (centre), Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and the Hon Afioga Fatialofa Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoaat the launch.

It will also focus on preparing Pacific Islanders to take advantage of regional labour market opportunities, including through Australia’s recently-announced Pacific Labour Scheme.

From left: The Hon Julie Bishop MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Afioga Fatialofa Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa and Revered Elder Taumafai Komiti at the launch.

This work is supported through an additional contribution of $128 million over four years to be managed by our partner, TAFE Queensland.

A highly skilled, inclusive and productive workforce is fundamental to sustainable development and economic prosperity in the Pacific.

Minister for Foreign Affairs:	Liam O’Neil (0428 113 617)
Minister for International Development in the Pacific:	Brooke Leembruggen (0447 743 835)