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Representatives at the virtual signing of the Partnership Agreement between APTC and FNU

APTC and FNU collaborate to help strengthen Fiji’s TVET sector

Jul 30, 2021

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and the Fiji National University (FNU) signed a partnership agreement today to deepen their longstanding relationship and further develop the quality and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Fiji.

The new partnership will contribute towards the capability development of FNU's workforce through targeted APTC training across the University’s TVET systems.

A focus will also be on enhancing FNU’s TVET provision, as well as a campaign to promote the advantages of TVET qualifications, which will be essential for Fiji’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

As Australia's flagship TVET investment in the Pacific, APTC works with a range of partners to build comprehensive skills development across the region.

FNU has been a valued partner of APTC since 2007. Both institutions had initially collaborated in the trade areas of Carpentry, Wall and Floor Tiling and Painting and Decorating and capacity building of trainers. Since then, they have signed successive partnership agreements to renew, extend and strengthen their collaboration.

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Toby Wilkinson, said, “APTC’s priorities are in perfect alignment with FNU’s vision to be the leading dual-sector university in the Pacific. We have recently launched our new TVET platform for the region, TVET Pasifika, which aims to bring high-quality, relevant TVET programmes to students and employers in Fiji and across the Pacific. FNU is placing TVET at the very core of its identity and provision.”

Professor Wilkinson added, “I am very pleased today to be signing a new 12-month partnership agreement with APTC that will co-deliver on the objectives of strengthening the quality and relevance of TVET in Fiji, and enhancing the physical and digital resources to deliver TVET at international standards.”

The collaboration between the two institutions further extends Australia’s support for TVET in Fiji.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, said, “Australia remains committed to supporting the education of talented Fijians particularly as Fiji responds to the challenges of COVID-19. I’m pleased that this partnership between APTC and FNU will enable both institutions to continue to collaborate with public and private sectors, civil societies, and key stakeholders to deliver the skills needed, both now and into the future, as well as further enhancing Fiji’s TVET sector.”

APTC Executive Director, Janelle Chapman said the signing is another milestone for the longstanding relationship, as the two institutions look to build on their previous successful collaboration.

“We will work even more closely to ensure the region and Fiji can meet the skills challenges for employment and sustainable livelihoods, particularly as Pacific countries recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

She thanked the Australian Government for supporting the partnership, and their continued investment in the region’s skills development.

FNU supports APTC in the co-delivery of training at three of its campuses for five programs - Certificate III in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (UEE32211), Certificate III in Fitting and Machining (MEM30205), Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22011), Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design & Technology (MST30819), and Certificate III in Painting & Decorating (CPC30611).

As part of the new agreement, APTC looks to work with FNU to continue supporting the relocation of targeted programs to its campuses.

Last year, both institutions also started working together to assist Fijians pursuing careers in fashion and design by supporting graduates and emerging designers and small business entrepreneurs through the Fashion Incubation Centre at FNU’s Nabua campus.

The virtual signing was attended by staff of APTC and FNU and representatives of the Australian Government.

APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

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