Over 200 women and men were awarded qualifications in 15 different vocational programs undertaken at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).

The 217 Samoan women and men who were awarded qualifications in vocational programs such as construction, plumbing, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, hospitality, air-conditioning and refrigeration, electro-technology technician were acknowledged during their graduation on Thursday.

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seu'ula Ioane, congratulated the graduates on their achievements and acknowledged their Australian-standard training in the various vocational areas.

"To all the graduands, as your Minister for Education, Sports and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements," Seu'ula said. 

"I am confident that the APTC has appropriately equipped you to put your new qualifications and skills into practice as part of Samoa’s growing workforce.

"Some of you received your training virtually and away from home at other APTC campuses around the region. Your determination and efforts to get a qualification while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is indeed admirable."

A number of the graduates work for key Government ministries and agencies and this fact was not lost on the Education Minister, who said the Government believes in investing in human resource development.

"We also have graduands here today from key government organisations and ministries, such as the staff from the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services; the Samoa Tourism Authority; SQA; NUS; Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour; Public Service Commission; Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries; Samoa Water Authority; Electric Power Corporation; and from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment."

The passing out of around 100 women from the APTC, who successfully completed their technical and vocational programs, was also acknowledged by the Minister.

"Well done to our women graduates. You are role models for other women who may want to take up a similar career pathway. 

"I am sure you will use your qualifications to contribute to the socio-economic development of our communities.

"Education is a priority for the Samoan Government and is a key driver of social and economic development."

The graduation ceremony on Thursday was also attended by Members of Parliament, the Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Samoa Claire McGeechan, the APTC Interim Executive Director Nicki Baird and the APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa as well as the graduates and their family members and friends.