News
NUS-IOT welders win with APTC
National University of Samoa-Institute of Technology (NUS-IOT) students recently won Welding Safety kits in a competition, which was inaugurated in 2008 by the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC).
Prizewinners Siao Tonai (1st), Malifa Tieli (2nd), and Eveni Misilei (3rd) were amongst eight participants who tested their skills against world standard benchmarks, in the one-day competition.
"The NUS-IOT students were very well prepared for this event by their teacher," said APTC Fabrication Trainer, Mark Rowheder.
Prior to the contest, the participants attended a day of workshop and equipment familiarisation with their NUS-IOT teacher, Ponifasio Eneliko, who is Samoa's first APTC graduate in Engineering Fabrication.
After being provided with materials, the competition entrants had to complete one fabrication and two welding exercises, based on the line drawings supplied.
"The standard of work produced by the students in the competition has definitely improved," said Mark. "The three top students were all extremely close in their marks."
"The competition showcases the skills that the students have developed in the last 18 months. It is also designed to encourage students to continue in their trade and to consider further vocational training with APTC. "
Judging this year's competition were mature-aged APTC student, Iosefa Faauma, along with last year's winner, Junior Lemisio, and second-place-getter, Richard Stowers.
(from left) NUS-IOT teacher and APTC graduate Ponifasio Eneliko;
Silao Toniai (1st); Malifa Tieli 2nd; APTC Trainer Mark Rowheder,
and Eveni Misilei 3rd, with safety kits and place getters' certificates.