Three State-owned entities (S.O.E.s) have signed an agreement with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (A.P.T.C.) to continue the upskilling of their workforce.

The Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.), and the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.) have extended their agreements while the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) has come on board for the first time.

The Minister responsible for the three S.O.E.s Olo Fiti Vaii said on Thursday that this will allow the Government's workforce to get better skilled and meet the priorities set in their sector plans.

He said one of the benefits of the training agreements is that they work with the gender equity, disability, and social inclusion strategic framework.

“Our plans for the infrastructure sector will meet our sector's priority needs and recognise the diversity of our staff, who are working in specialised technical areas,” said Minister Olo. “Moreover, the A.P.T.C. courses will complement the growth plans offered by other independent institutions.

“The aim is for Government institutions to work with A.P.T.C. in advancing the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce in hopes to improve their capacity and strengthen service delivery through a respected and recognised branch.”

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck highlighted that the training offered through the A.P.T.C. would be effective as there were plans to move towards renewable energy.

She said the E.P.C. and the S.W.A. as well as the L.T.A. were working towards improving and introducing millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure and the collaboration with the A.P.T.C. would allow for this to happen with skilled workers.

“Oftentimes, we humans fall into the trap of working in silos, attempting to reinvent the wheel by ourselves," said Ms. Luck. "Instead, you must look to our partners and our friends and share our experiences and expertise to solve common challenges."

The S.W.A. Chief Executive Officer Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger said the partnership between the S.W.A. and the A.P.T.C. was a two-way partnership.

“A.P.T.C. being able to provide training for S.W.A. from customer service to technical and trade and there is an opportunity for A.P.T.C. in terms of related work experience,” he said.

The agreement was signed at the Lava Hotel on Thursday.