Media release
12 June 2008
For immediate release
Another milestone for Australia-Pacific Technical College
Another important milestone has been reached for the Australia-Pacific Technical College with the commencement of automotive courses in Port Moresby.
Funded by the Australian Government, certified trainers are up-skilling local apprentices allowing them a Certificate 3 in Light Vehicle Mechanics – an internationally recognised qualification.
“The latest courses are an example of the practical approach being taken by the APTC in working with local trainers and employers to provide courses that will ultimately create a more efficient and competitive workforce in PNG, ” said Head of AusAID in PNG, Margaret Thomas.
Feedback from Australian trainers is that local automotive training is already of a high standard with this gap training quickly bringing skills up to international standard.
As well as Papua New Guinea, the APTC opened facilities in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa last year providing world-class technical and vocational education and training in areas identified as in critical demand across the Pacific. The APTC is utilising an existing workshop and training room at Ela Motors in Badili.
“Thousands of apprentices have already been trained through our full-time accredited training department and this builds on that existing training to allow PNG mechanics to be the best they can be. There is a world wide shortage of skilled tradespeople and through this partnership we are showing the world here in PNG we can grow our own,” said General Manager of Ela Motors, Wally Haydok.
“Graduates have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the development of Papua New Guinea using the skills and knowledge gained in their studies and it is encouraging many have indicated aspirations to train the next generation of apprentices,” said Ms Thomas.
New training facilities at Port Moresby Technical College are expected towards the end of the year.
Media Inquiries: AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 216/ 471 www.aptc.edu.au