News
More than a piece of paper
Ask APTC graduate Victor Christopher if he feels that the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is "just a piece of paper" and he will quickly reply, "NO, it has changed my life!"
After the recent graduation ceremony in Suva, Victor thought he should make a copy of the certificate and get it laminated for safekeeping. The manager of the printing shop was very impressed by the certificate and Victor's qualification, and immediately asked him for a quote on repainting the office and some decorative finishes on signboards.
Painting and Decorating Trainer, Michael Farrugia said, "This is a prime example of how having the Certificate III can open doors for APTC graduates. Victor Christopher was presented his hard-earned certificate by the Australian Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, Ms Judith Robinson. Victor later told me that he couldn't sleep at all the night before the graduation, and that his family was so proud, that they made him a salusalu (lei), and celebrated all night after the graduation ceremony."
Michael reports that many Certificate III Painting and Decorating graduates have already registered and started their own small businesses, including Worksmart Contractors, Jetison Home Improvements and OneTalk Painters.
"So is the Certificate III just a piece of paper? At APTC we would have to agree with Victor in saying APTC graduates are improving their earnings, opportunities and life styles as a result of their training and qualifications," concluded Michael.
Victor Christopher receives his certificate from Australian High
Commissioner, Ms Judith Robinson