Sese in same trade class as dad

By JOYCE INGIPA
IT is indeed rare to see a girl and her father in the same class.
But Sese Jack, 25, is not too fazed about attending the same trade class as dad Jack Kauri. She is the only girl taking up metal fabricating at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Port Moresby. Dad Jack is in her class.
“My father is a senior tradesman mostly attached with mining companies but came back to school this year to up-skill himself and upgrade his qualification. My two elder brothers are also former APTC students. They are now working and earning their living.”
Sese comes from a mix parentage of Gulf and Chimbu and lives in Sabama with her parents. Her father and two brothers are all tradesmen. She is following their footsteps.

“ My father is a senior tradesman mostly attached with mining companies but came back to school this year to up-skill himself and upgrade his qualification Like father, like daughter.”

Sese completed her first course in metal fabricating at the Koki Technical School. She worked for a number of companies before being offered a scholarship by the Australian government to pursue her trade certificate.
“It has been a dream come true for me.”
Jack is the only girl in a class of 13 men which includes dad Jack.
“Most of the companies I worked for such as Pacific Towing and Steel Industries had mostly men. I don’t mind because it’s normal to me. My field allows me to have daily interactions with the opposite sex. They are much better than girls. They are straightforward and have a lot of respect for girls who take up a trade mostly dominated by men.”
She completed Grade Eight at the Butuka Primary School before moving to Kilakila Secondary School for Grade Nine right up to Grade 12 which she completed in 2012.
She spent three years at home before applying for a trade course at Koki Technical School in 2015.
After graduating, she was placed on an on-the-job training programme before working for Pacific Towing and Steel Industries. She joined APTC three months ago.
“The duration of the course is six months so we will be graduating in November. I am grateful to the Australian government for this golden opportunity. All my tuition fees and lodging fees are paid by them.”
She believes that learning is an on-going process in life.
“It never stops. At my age, I still continue to upskill myself and upgrade my qualification.”
She thanks her dad for being an inspiration and a mentor. He assists her in understanding the fundamentals of the trade.
Jack is eagerly looking forward to receiving her engineering three certificate in metal fabrication. It will mean she has a trade certificate to help her secure a good job.
“I would then be capable to be a leading hand in any company that I apply to. I am so grateful and fortunate to be given this opportunity.”