MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australia Pacific Technical College has today opened in Port Moresby with diesel mechanics the first to take up the new course of study in Papua New Guinea.
The college will work with PNG government, education and industry leaders to ensure that graduates are appropriately skilled to meet employment needs in the region and worldwide.
The focus in PNG will be on welders, refrigeration air-conditioning electricians, metal fabricators, plumbers and carpenters.
A metal fabrication, electrical and carpentry and joinery workshop will be built at Port Moresby Technical College. The $3.9 million facility will include classrooms, accommodation and administration facilities.
Students from PNG will also be able to undertake advanced training in tourism and hospitality trades through training centres in Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. In 2008 it is proposed to establish a school for Health and Community Services at the college.
Building a skilled and educated workforce is essential to ensure enough technically qualified workers to drive economic growth in Pacific Island countries.
The Australian Government has announced $150 million to establish the college through training centres in PNG, Vanuatu, Samoa and Fiji.
The college aims to graduate 3,000 Pacific Island students by 2011.
From 2008, scholarships will be available to enable students, especially those from smaller island states, to participate.
The Australia Pacific Technical College fulfils the Prime Minister's 2006 Pacific Islands Forum commitment to internationally recognised vocational and technical training in the Pacific region.
Further information on the Australia-Pacific Technical College is available at: http://www.aptc.edu.au
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590