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By ELIZABETH MIAE
PAPUA New Guinean students will have the opportunity to grasp quality
technical training and Australian recognised qualifications once they
complete studies at the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) in
the country.
The APTC, funded by the Australian government, was officially launched
yesterday by Australian High Commissioner Chris Moraitis in Port
Moresby.
The launch now fulfils the commitment made by Australian prime minister
John Howard during the Pacific Islands Forum in October last year.
The college will also have facilities in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa.
In PNG, the training will focus on welding, refrigeration
air-conditioning, metal fabricating, plumbing and carpentry.
Both the Australian and PNG governments, education and industry leaders
will work together to ensure graduates are skilled to meet employment
needs in the region.
The manufacturing, construction and electrical training will be
undertaken in partnership with the Sustainable Development Fund and Ok
Tedi Mines in Tabubil.
Ela Motors and Hastings Deering in Port Moresby will cater for
automotive and heavy vehicle training with the Port Moresby Technical
College (POM tech) playing an important role.
A metal fabrication, electrical, carpentry and joinery workshop will be
built at POM tech at a cost of K9.3 million and will include classrooms,
accommodation and administration facilities.
APTC chief executive officer Dr Peter Shepherd expressed his gratitude
towards the Australian government for having fulfilled its commitment in
such a short time.
He said it was the first time for such an institution that would provide
uniform training across the Pacific and its launch was evidence of the
investment in people.
Mr Moraitis described yesterday’s event as another example of the
friendship between the two countries.
“The first PNG graduates will seek to fill critical skill shortages and
boost development opportunities and economic growth. The courses are not
duplicating or competing with existing training but rather complementing
that training,” he said.
Acting secretary for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Kila Ara Karo
assured the institution’s administration and the Australian government
of the PNG Government’s commitment to this project.
He also called on the administration to consider taking on board courses
in tourism and agriculture for students to undertake.
 
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