The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) successfully conducted a Work, Health and Safety in Construction short course, benefiting a group of 59 Samoans, including 11 women. This training aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills regarding safe practices in the construction industry.
To recognise their achievements, an awards ceremony took place in Apia on June 29, 2023. These recipients are valuable members of the Samoan workforce, contributing to the energy, water, and security sectors.
The collaboration between APTC and various Samoan Government ministries and corporations, such as Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Water Authority, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, and the Land Transport Authority, ensures continuous capacity building for their staff, thereby improving service delivery to the local communities.
The commitment shown by the Chief Executive Officers, Commissioners, and management of these government agencies to invest in the upskilling of their employees is evident through the delivery of the Work, Health and Safety in Construction short course.
Australia’s ongoing support for Samoa’s economic recovery focuses on enhancing skills that contribute to the growth and development of industries and communities. Mr. Patrick Chan, the First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Samoa, congratulated the participants of the short course and praised their dedication and hard work.
Mr. Chan highlighted the importance of the training in advancing their knowledge and skills related to health and safety at work, emphasizing its positive impact on workplaces and communities. He also emphasized Australia’s continued collaboration with the Government of Samoa to provide educational and training opportunities, empowering Samoans to actively contribute to the country’s national development.
Among the recipients of the awards were two women from the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services. Agape Timoteo, one of the awardees, expressed how the training empowered her to identify potential risks and take proactive measures to ensure a safer work environment. She recognized the significance of being able to mitigate risks in both her workplace and home, emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance when encountering unfamiliar environments or equipment that may pose risks to oneself or others.
Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa, the APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, reiterated APTC’s commitment to delivering relevant and high-quality training to foster a skilled, inclusive, and productive Samoan workforce. The long-term impact of this training will contribute to meeting the work, health, and safety requirements in Samoan workplaces, addressing the demand for such skills.
