By NIDRA KEWERE MAPI
AN agreement has been signed between the Port Moresby Technical College and the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) to enhance learning criteria and facilities at POM Tech.
The memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed yesterday was an occasion for both colleges as it now formalises arrangements initiated by the Australian government to focus on the technical skills trade in the Pacific region.
The general agreement term was for APTC to inject funds into POM Tech to assist in upgrading the current training facilities and to provide the opportunity for staff and students of POM Tech to upgrade their skills.
APTC divisional manager for PNG Morrie Wintringham said there was a massive technical skills shortage in the Pacific and PNG was no exception.
The focus of the APTC centre in PNG was for people in the technical skills industry, who were already qualified to upgrade their skills, Mr Wintringham said.
With the Australian certificate obtained from APTC, the bearer could work in Australia and anywhere in the world.
POM Tech governing council chairperson Maria Kopkop said this agreement was a big step forward in ensuring technical skills people had the qualifications, which would bring international recognition to PNG.
The APTC project was contracted for a four-year period.