Investing in the Pacific's future

Australia's flagship education program in the Pacific, the Australia-Pacific Technical College, is expanding the pool of Pacific workers with skills and qualifications valued by employers.

Today, the College passed an important milestone. Mr Amit Anand Sharma, from Fiji, became its 10,000th graduate, completing his engineering fabrication course at the Samoa Campus. After completing his studies, Mr Sharma has engaged in higher paying employment and started his own business.

The high quality vocational training provided by the College is crucial to economic development in the region. Earning accredited Australian qualifications gives graduates opportunities for further study, and enhances their prospects of obtaining employment at home and abroad and for setting up their own successful businesses.

The College's enviable reputation ensures graduates' skills are in demand in the region, particularly in the growing areas of tourism and human services.

The College enrols adult students from 14 Pacific Island countries across five campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It delivers Australian Certificate III, IV and Diploma-level training in the automotive, manufacturing, construction and electrical, tourism, hospitality, health and community sectors.