Solomon Islands will soon host a campus of the Australia Pacific Technical College, boosting opportunities for training and skills development for Solomon Islanders.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Development, Planning and Aid Coordination, Jeremiah Manele and Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson today signed a subsidiary arrangement to establish a campus of the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Solomon Islands.

Mr Manele said that establishment of an APTC campus was good news for Solomon Islands and it would work closely with Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) to promote training and skills development in Solomon Islands.

"The APTC campus will provide more opportunities for Solomon Islanders to gain internationally recognised skills and qualifications. This will help with job prospects here at home or in the region," Mr Manele said.

"Discussions are now taking place between SICHE and the APTC on partnership arrangements and to develop training opportunities in country. We are grateful for the vote of confidence that the Australian Government has shown in Solomon Islands in funding the APTC campus in Honiara."

Mr Anderson said the APTC campus in Solomon Islands is part of Australia's long-term investment in education and training to help Solomon Islanders.

"More than 300 Solomon Islanders have already graduated from hospitality, tourism, health and community services and automotive, construction, electrical and manufacturing courses," Mr Anderson said.

"Solomon Islands will continue to have these training opportunities at APTC campuses in the region, but we hope that the APTC campus in Honiara will provide even greater opportunities for local people and the chance to learn new skills and secure a job."

"The new APTC campus for Solomon Islands reinforces Australia's continued investment in training and skills development, which is one of the key areas of support under the Solomon Islands - Australia Partnership for Development."

Mr Anderson said the APTC was established in 2007 to increase skilled workers in the Pacific and improve employment opportunities for Pacific Islanders. There are currently four campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.


Source: Press Release, Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands