MEDIA RELEASE
10 September 2007
For immediate release
Skills shortage to be addressed through Technical College
Diesel mechanics will be the first students to undertake world-class technical and vocational education and training in Papua New Guinea with the opening of the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Port Moresby today.
The College, which is funded by the Australian Government, will work with the PNG Government and education and industry leaders to ensure that graduates are appropriately skilled to meet employment needs in the region. The focus in PNG will be on welders, refrigeration air-conditioning electricians, metal fabricators, plumbers and carpenters.
“The first PNG graduates will seek to fill critical skill shortages and boost employment opportunities and economic growth,” said Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis.
“The courses are not duplicating or competing with existing training, rather complementing that training.”
Manufacturing, construction and electrical training will be undertaken in partnership with the Sustainable Development Fund and Ok Tedi Mining Ltd in Tabubil. In Port Moresby, Ela Motors and Hastings Deering will be bases for automotive and heavy vehicle training with Port Moresby Technical College also playing an important role.
“Training staff quickly, keeping them interested in training, then retaining those staff is one of our challenges,” said Hastings Deering PNG and Solomon Islands Area Manager, Ray Innes.
“The College will take what we are already doing in on-the-job training to a whole new level.”
While current courses are utilising existing workplace and classroom facilities a metal fabrication, electrical and carpentry and joinery workshop will be built at Port Moresby Technical College. The K9.3 million kina facility will include classrooms, accommodation and administration facilities.
Hiris Birney, who has previously managed overseas scholarships in PNG, has been appointed Country Program Co-ordinator for the APTC.
From 2008 scholarships will be available to enable students, especially those from smaller island states, to participate.
The College, which will also have facilities in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa, fulfils a commitment Australian Prime Minister John Howard made at the Pacific Islands Forum in October 2006.
Further information on the Australia-Pacific Technical College is available by post at APTC, PO Box 1043, Port Moresby, NCD or via the website at www.aptc.edu.au
Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 216