Women hailed for trade choice

THE Australia Pacific Training Coalition witnessed its 23rd graduation ceremony last Friday with 188 students graduate with certificates in various technical and vocational courses after completing six months of training.
Fifty-four among the graduates were females, which was an increase compared to previous years.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis, congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to strive in their fields.
Davis acknowledged 12 women who graduated as qualified tradespersons in traditionally male dominated trades: light vehicle mechanical technology, air conditioning and refrigeration, engineering, plumbing and construction.
“The Australian Government recognises that gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to PNG economy and human development, and we will continue to engage with the Government of PNG through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership to promote gender equality,” he said.
Davis said the PNG-Australia Partnership focuses on inclusive economic growth, with targeted investments in private sector, health and education.
He encouraged the graduates to be positive role models and contributors to PNG’s growth and development.
He praised APTC for providing leadership opportunities for Papua New Guineans.