Education

Australian High Commissioner launches APTC publications

by Sherita Sharma · Published May 2, 2018 · Updated May 2, 2018

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, HE John Feakes delivers his keynote address at the APTC publications launch.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, HE John Feakes, hosted a ‘launch lunch’ today, to launch publications highlighting the impact of the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC).

Fittingly, the lunch was held at the Pacific Fusion Restaurant in Suva – a training facility shared by APTC and The University of the South Pacific (USP) cookery and hospitality students.

APTC is a flagship program of the Australian Government and has trained over 12,000 Pacific Islanders, including over 3700 Fijians, since 2007. The college provides internationally recognised Australian-standard skills and qualifications across a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers.

In launching the publications – Fiji Impact Stories, Supporting Women in Business brochure and Annual Report Summary – Mr Feakes congratulated APTC on its achievements, including the positive impact it has had on education in the Pacific.

“The APTC Fiji Impact Stories is a collection of Fijian graduate profiles that highlight the impact that APTC has had on individuals and communities, and APTC’s contribution to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the Pacific. I thank the graduates who shared their stories and am very pleased that the Australian Government’s support to APTC has helped them achieve their goals,” he said.

“APTC’s ability to collaborate with educational institutions, government ministries, NGOs and the private sector is commendable. You have all played a big part in APTC’s success,” Mr Feakes added.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, HE John Feakes (left), with APTC CEO, Ms Denise O’Brien and Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Honourable Mereseini Vuniwaqa at the launch.

Around 60 guests, including representatives from government, the diplomatic community, international and regional organisations and industry partners, attended the lunch.

The lunch was prepared and served by APTC’s cookery and hospitality students.