Fifty five Solomon Islands students graduated from courses in hospitality, tourism, hairdressing and children services from the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) at a special ceremony in Honiara on Friday.
30 students graduated with a Certificate III in Children Services, six students in Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery), five students in Certificate III in Tourism, four students in Certificate III in Hairdressing, six students in Certificate III in Hospitality and four students in Certificate IV in Hospitality. Courses were completed at campuses in Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Matt Anderson was joined at the ceremony Trevor Birney from the APTC and Afu Billy, Director of Commonwealth Youth Program Secretariat. The Minister of Education and Acting Permanent Secretary also attend the graduation.
Mr Anderson said that it was a great honour to attend the graduation.
"Graduation Day is always special and I congratulate all 55 students who celebrated this achievement. I also very pleased that the students are able to share this achievement with so many family and friends," Mr Anderson said.
"I know the APTC receives a very high number of applications from Solomon Islanders every year for APTC courses and there is much competition for places, so the first achievement was to be selected. The second was to graduate."
Mr Anderson said the students join more than 280 of your country men and women who have already completed courses.
"Through the APTC and the Australian qualifications that the students earned, they now have the skills, training and confidence to take advantage of job opportunities, either in Solomon Islands or in the region."
"I urge all the students to seize this opportunity and make full use of the skills gained through APTC. Congratulations and well done to you all."
Source: Press Release, Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands