Technical training in demand

RESOURCE boom in the country is creating huge growth in jobs and demand for technical training to fill those jobs, Australia High Commissioner Ian Kemish says.
Kemish made this comment while unveiling a commemorative plaque at the fifth anniversary celebrations of the Australia Pacific Technical College (APTC) in Port Moresby last Friday.
He said the PNG and Australia governments were motivated to provide technical training opportunities to locals to fill those jobs.
Kemish said the college was an important part of Australia’s contribution to the country and by the end of the year it would have graduated 1101 students under Australian sponsorship and a further 450 under industry sponsorship.
The college funds scholarships to 13 Pacific island countries including Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Nauru and PNG.
“APTC scholarships break down gender barriers. It is so pleasing to see the continued enrolment of PNG women in trades normally the preserve of men and to see PNG men proudly undertaking courses such as hair dressing to increase their skills as barbers,” Kemish said.
“All APTC graduates receive Australian awards in fields such as construction, electrical, engineering, automotive, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, and health and community service qualifications.”
He commended the training partners such as Port Moresby Technical College, Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, Hastings Deering, Ela Motors and New Britain Oil Palm.