By Patricia Keamo – Cadet Journalist, Port Moresby
188 graduands were certified with Australian technical qualification in courses ranging from construction to engineering, tourism and leadership management. Senior Statesman, Sir Moi Ave, gave his keynote address and presented certificates to the graduands. Sir Moi emphasised to the graduands that having an Australian qualification opens doors but it also comes with challenges.
Also present at the graduation was Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davis, who stressed on the importance of technical skills. He says the program has been going on for years and it is an important part of education, especially Technical Vocational Training.
The 23 programs that students graduated from are Australian recognised pre-vocational courses that prepare them for further vocational training.
According to Australia Pacific Training College country director, Brad Shaw, APTC was established through the PNG-Australian partnership, evolving from AusAid. However, he says they try to overlook the terminologies of aids and donors and see these programs as development and up-skilling of Papua New Guineans.
