The National University of Samoa (N.U.S) and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (A.P.T.C) delivered their first joint employability workshop to prepare students to enter the workforce after graduating.

The workshop was held at the N.U.S Gymnasium on Thursday morning and is a result of a formal N.U.S and A.P.T.C partnerships which lists supporting and enhancing the employability of graduates as a key priority to be addressed together.

The Associate Minister of the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Agaseata Taunuvasa Peto said in his address the program aims to offer insights into jobs and employment opportunities in Samoa, particularly the range of skills required by employers for future N.U.S and A.P.T.C. graduates.

"I acknowledge the collective efforts of all N.U.S, A.P.T.C support services in the organisation and the coordination of this workshop," Agaseata said.

He is of the view that the programme will be beneficial to all the participants and he invited all of them to learn as much as possible.

With the day's program revolving around the theme "Are you ready?" A.P.T.C and N.U.S students as well as recent graduates heard from key stakeholders in Samoa's employment and skills landscapes.

One of the participants of the workshop, Elizabeth Pita of Nofoalii, told the Samoa Observer in an interview that the program is of great assistance to the students.

"It helps us, especially those of us who have completed courses. I took Community Service Certificate III at APTC but [I am waiting for] graduation next year," Ms Pita said.

"But it is important to come and ask Ministries and the private sector about [...]their plans in the future to assist us in terms of employment opportunities."

She then made reference to the booth run by the Samoa Business Hub (S.B.H), saying that in Samoa right now there are no community service businesses.

She said that their class' dream is to become the first company in Samoa as a community service business and emphasised that from the S.B.H they learned about starting a business.

"We are thinking that by the end of the course if there is no employment then our class can come together to start a community service organisation to utilise the knowledge gained from the A.P.T.C," she said.

She advised others to use these opportunities, especially for the youth to gain knowledge for a better future.