Launch of the Australia Pacific Technical College
10 September 2007; Hastings Deering, Port Moresby, PNG
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, HE Mr Chris Moraitis
It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the launch of the Australia Pacific Technical College – a new initiative of the Australian Government that will deliver internationally recognised technical and vocational education for students from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
I would like to thank Hastings Deering, a training partner for the APTC, for hosting today’s launch. The excellent training facilities and cooperation of Hastings Deering and other training partners, including Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, Ela Motors and Port Moresby Technical College, provide a strong foundation for the success of the APTC.
The APTC is yet another example of the close friendship and partnership between Australia and PNG. It is a real, practical, tangible example of how Australia is helping to build a stronger skills base in PNG to help Papua New Guineans develop their full potential.
The $150 million APTC will offer training through five schools. At least three of these five schools will provide training in Papua New Guinea. These include the automotive, manufacturing, construction and electrical trades. Training for fitter diesel mechanics will shortly commence here at Hastings Deering.
Students from Papua New Guinea will also have the opportunity to undertake advanced training in tourism and hospitality trades through training centres in Fiji, Samoa or Vanuatu. In 2008 it is also proposed to establish a school for Health and Community Services.
To ensure equitable access to the APTC the Australian government will provide a $10 million scholarship program over the next four years to assist students in need. There is information available here today outlining how these scholarships will work as I know many people will be interested.
The APTC will contribute to economic growth in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific by addressing skills shortages and increasing the competitiveness of Pacific economies.
The APTC will be guided by an Advisory Board, comprising representatives of Pacific Island countries, including a senior Papua New Guinean official, as well as key industries in the region and the Australian Government.
Some 3,000 students from Papua New Guinea and the Pacific are expected to graduate from the APTC over the next four years. These graduates will hold world class qualifications.
The APTC will also make a significant investment in technical and vocational training facilities in Papua New Guinea. At the site of the Port Moresby Technical College, the APTC will build a K9 million new training facility and provide further support to the Port Moresby Technical College library. These facilities will be available for the shared use of the students of the APTC and the Port Moresby Technical College.
In summary, I would like to wish all the best to the staff of the APTC and its training partners, Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, Ela Motors, Port Moresby Technical College and Hastings Deering.
The APTC provides an exciting opportunity for Australia to work with industry partners and the Government of Papua New Guinea to address skill shortages and promote economic growth in the region.
Thank you.
End