BY INDY MAEALASIA
IN a significant milestone for the Australia Pacific Training Coalition(APTC) Solomon Islands, 153 students have graduated with certificates in various fields.
The ceremony which took place at the South Sea Evangelical Church(SSEC) Thursday, saw students awarded with qualification in technical and vocational courses, these include, agriculture, construction, carpentry, commercial cookery, hospitality, and International Skills Training(IST).
Minister of Education, Tozen Leokana in his keynote address,emphasised the impact of TVET on employment and the economy.
“TVET is crucial for the Solomon Islands Sustainable Development and empowering individuals with essential practical skills for the public and private sectors which drives our current economic growth. Not only that, but TVET programs have proven instrumental in bringing the out-skilled gap fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing employability among our youth” Leokana said.
He stressed that TVET equip graduates will skills and experience that can land them job locally and internationally.
Leokana expressed gratitude to the Australian Government support through APTC.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Government and people of Australia for the financial support provided through the training” he remarked “Without the much needed fund, it will not have been possible to accelerate human resource development in the country” he added
Leokana also congratulated the graduates for their achievements, “On behalf of the Solomon Islands government, I would like to congratulate the graduates of the APTC program who have successfully completed their courses”
“Today is your great day. It’s a day to celebrate with your families and friends. A day you have been waiting for since you start commencing your training. Best of luck for your common future and your career” he added.
