Tongan vocational students will have access to new and better training opportunities under an agreement signed by The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and Tupou Tertiary Institute (TTI) last month.

Under the new agreement, both organizations commit to exploring the development and evaluation of TVET programs and training capabilities.

Under previous collaborations with APTC, trainers from TTI have improved their skills in training and assessment, and been helped develop training in aged care and community services in Tonga.

During the virtual signing ceremony, APTC Chief Executive Officer Soli Middleby said APTC was thrilled to work in partnership with TTI to improve access to training and skills development for Tongans, and to help develop the country’s TVET sector.

“We acknowledge the notable contributions that TTI has made to the tertiary education landscape in Tonga, and it is our hope that under this agreement, APTC will have the opportunity to add value to and enhance this work,” Ms Middleby said.       

TTI principal Dr Ungatea Kata signed on behalf of TTI. Dr Kata welcomed the support and collaboration with APTC to strengthen the development of highly-skilled Tongan students.

“We thank the APTC very much for the willingness to partner with TTI. Partnership and collaboration is the motto that TTI has worked with since our inception 20 years ago, as we believe that this is the backbone of development.

“With this signing we hope to build on something so that our people can access these pathways. We want more young people and women to be able to access these opportunities and build their skills.”

APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Cheri Robinson Moors, thanked TTI for their engagement and openness in collaborating with APTC for Pacific prosperity.

“We are thrilled to be working with TTI and champions such as Dr Kata, who share in our aspirations of enhancing training and employment opportunities for Tongans,” Ms Moors said.