Fifty-nine Samoans, including 11 women, successfully completed the Work, Health and Safety in Construction short course delivered by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) to increase their skills and knowledge about working safely in the construction sector.
An awards ceremony was held on 29 June 2023 in Apia to celebrate the achievements of the 59 recipients, who are part of the Samoan workforce in the energy, water and security sectors.
APTC works in partnership with the Samoan Government ministries and corporations such as the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS), Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Water Authority, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, and the Land Transport Authority for continuous staff capacity building for efficient service delivery to Samoan communities.
The Work, Health and Safety in Construction short course delivery demonstrates the strong commitment of the Chief Executive Officers, Commissioners and management of these government agencies to invest in upskilling their employees.
The training was part of Australia’s ongoing support to Samoa’s economic recovery, with a focus on enhancing skills for the growth and development of industries and communities.
The First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Samoa, Mr Patrick Chan, congratulated the short course participants and commended them for their dedication and hard work.
“The short course you have completed was aimed at advancing your skills and knowledge about health and safety at work. This will help you to make positive contributions in your workplaces and in your communities,” Mr Chan said.
He added that Australia continues to work in collaboration with the Government of Samoa to enhance educational and training opportunities for Samoans, enabling them to effectively contribute to national development.
One of the participants, Agape Timoteo, said the training empowered her to confidently identify potential risks and take proactive measures to ensure a safer work environment.
“Having the capacity and ability to take appropriate measures to help eliminate and reduce risks in my workplace or my home is a lifesaving skill. Simple mistakes can cause big problems. It is important to seek help when faced with an unfamiliar environment or equipment that pose potential risks to oneself or others,” Ms Timoteo said.
The award recipients also included two women from the SPPCS.
APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa, said APTC remains committed to delivering relevant and quality training to develop a skilled, inclusive and productive Samoan workforce.
Over the long term, the training will help meet the demand for work, health, and safety requirements in Samoan workplaces.