The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) held its 2025 graduation ceremony at the National University of Samoa’s Samoan Fale, celebrating the achievements of 89 graduates who have completed Australian qualifications in vocational fields such as drainage, plumbing, tourism, and mechanical technology.
Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuāau, congratulated the graduates, recognising their perseverance.
“Malo le finau! Malo le fai o le faiva!” he said. He acknowledged their hard work in completing their programs, stating, “The Samoan Government acknowledges and appreciates your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications, and we are proud of your accomplishments.”
Forty women were among the graduates, with ten completing training in fields traditionally dominated by men, including plumbing and drainage. The Minister commended them, saying, “Your achievements serve as a powerful testament to your hard work, dedication, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women and girls of Samoa.”
Government agencies were also represented in the graduating class, with 24 employees from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, and the Land Transport Authority earning a Certificate II in Drainage.
The Minister acknowledged the role of the Australian Government in supporting vocational training in Samoa. “This supports the priorities of the Samoa Education Sector Plan 2019-2024, including inclusive education and TVET,” he said. He noted that since 2007, more than 3,390 Samoans have earned Australian qualifications through APTC.
APTC continues to collaborate with the Samoa Qualifications Authority and the National University of Samoa to strengthen workforce skills and international recognition.
“Together, APTC and NUS have developed and accredited various programs and have provided numerous capability development opportunities for students as well as staff,” the Minister said.
He encouraged the graduates to use their skills to contribute to Samoa’s development. “You now join a network of over 25,850 APTC Alumni across the region, and I eagerly look forward to your contributions to the national growth of Samoa.”
