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APTC Fiji alumni expands with ACEM graduation
The recent graduation ceremony for students of the School Automotive, Construction & Electrical and Manufacturing (ACEM) saw the Fiji APTC Alumni expand from 54 to 97 members.
Amongst the 43 graduates receiving their certificates were three women, four local ACEM tutors, and 23 Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA) graduates
In his keynote address, the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr James Batley acknowledged the women graduates, saying, “The trades are traditionally a male-dominated field and there are many barriers to female participation. However, we are slowly seeing more women enter this field. It is an honour that Australia, through the APTC, can help women pursue their chosen career path.”
H E Mr Batley also recognised the four local tutors graduating, but made special reference to Ramiza as the first female tiling graduate for the APTC, and the School of Automotive, Construction & Electrical and Manufacturing’s first female tutor
The graduation was also significant because 23 students graduated with Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Although training was carried out under the auspices of ACEM, the graduates came from a wide variety of organisations, such as the Training Productivity Authority of Fiji, the Fiji Institute of Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Public Works Department, Fosters Group, Fiji Sugar Corporation and Air Terminal Services, representing the public, private and educational sectors. The course was undertaken by people employed as trainers, (or soon to be so), at their places of work.
“This qualification, (Certificate IV, TAA) has been highly sought after here in Fiji, is a nationally recognised qualification, is well respected across the Pacific, and is considered best practice in vocational teaching,” said H E Mr Batley.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency, Mr James Batley
is garlanded at the beginning of the ceremony.
Mr Ian Wells, ACEM Project Director, H E Mr Batley, and Mr Antoine Barnaart,
General Manager, APTC, after the graduation ceremony
The three ACEM women graduate: Sailoama Rokodravu (Painter & Decorator),
Ramiza Razak (Wall & Floor Tiler), and Meresiana Rokoqica (Painter & Decorator).