Colleges host joint industry trade fair

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and Port Moresby Technical College (Pom Tech) have successfully hosted their first joint industry trade fair.
The fair, held last month, opened the Pom Tech and APTC-shared campus to 40 industry representatives.
It showcased the PNG-Australia partnership which dates back to the 1950s when Pom Tech, known then as Idubada Technical Training Centre, received its first Australian-supported student scholarships.
The trade fair highlighted quality facilities and training, and the ever-growing partnership between the Papua New Guinean and Australian institutions and their students.
There were 17 trades on display, including light vehicle automotive mechanics, carpentry, printing and commercial cookery.
Industry representatives observed students studying and training in their specific trades.
They hope the fair would allow for stronger partnerships with industries, and that these partnerships would see graduating students receiving skills to meet industry needs.
Pom Tech principal Henry Wamaingu said: “The fair showed the positive partnership between APTC and Pom Tech, in delivering skills training in PNG.
APTC country director Dr Brad Shaw said: “It was a great success and it put a stamp on the great partnership Pom Tech and APTC have. The positive feedback from the fair has been overwhelming and places both partners well.”
The Australian government supports the development of PNG’s skilled workers through the PNG-Australia Partnership and activities of APTC and Pom Tech.