As Australia’s most significant Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) investment in the region, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) continues to collaborate with governments, TVET institutions and industries to empower individuals and organisations through skills development to create a more capable and productive workforce.
APTC recently signed partnership agreements with six organisations in Samoa to drive economic growth through targeted training for local and international job markets, as well as enhanced service delivery for all Samoans.
The partnerships include three new agreements with Lakapi Samoa, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA), and Land Transport Authority (LTA), and the renewal of agreements with Electric Power Corporation (EPC), Samoa Water Authority (SWA), and the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS).
These partnerships provide the opportunity for APTC to deliver targeted, relevant and practical training in Work, Health and Safety in Construction, International Skills Training (IST), Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) strengthening, Customer Services and micro-credentials in various areas. This will help drive productivity, increase innovation and efficiency in service delivery, and contribute to Samoa’s overall economic progress.
Specialised technical training will be provided to each organisation in areas such as plumbing and drainage, and construction.
The partnerships also contribute to achieving APTC’s Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) priorities by raising awareness on barriers to equal opportunities for all and collaborating on initiatives to promote inclusive workplaces and societies in Samoa.
APTC will collaborate with SPPCS to also provide training assistance to inmates as part of the rehabilitation process to ensure they are reintegrated into society and become productive citizens.
In addition to supporting the curriculum development to assist the Police Academy and training unit of the SPPCS, APTC will also provide skills training opportunities for the young and emerging rugby players in Samoa through the Lakapi Samoa partnership.
The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuaau, in his keynote remarks, emphasised the significant benefits of the ongoing collaboration between Samoa and the Government of Australia to strengthen and upskill human resources in developing the education and training sector through accredited short courses and micro-credentials for employees.
“I wish to acknowledge the Australian Government for supporting this partnership through APTC that will help strengthen and bring efficiency in Samoa’s workforce, increase knowledge and skills, and improve the quality of life for all Samoans”, he said.
Honourable Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minster of Works Transport and Infrastructure, congratulated and commended the three government agencies – Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Water Authority and the Land Transport Authority, for working with APTC to help create a modern workforce by improving human resource skills and strengthening the capacities of Samoa’s public sector.
In a separate MOA signing, Honourable Faualo Harry Schuster, Minister of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services acknowledged SPPCS and SFESA for collaborating with APTC to enhance the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce to improve service delivery.
The partnerships will support APTC’s Community Services, Plumbing/Drainage and Construction students to take up work placements with relevant partners to strengthen their learning and employment outcomes.
The partners will also support industry currency for APTC trainers to ensure they stay up to date with current industry knowledge, skills and practices.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, said that the government agencies in Samoa played an important role in long-term economic growth prospects, adding that services provided by these organisations helped Samoans to enjoy safe, healthy and productive lives.
She also emphasised the significance of the partnerships in building skills and supporting Samoa’s efforts to strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure for future energy and water security.
APTC Country Director for Samoa and Tonga, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila-Silipa, said meaningful partnerships with organisations enabled APTC to support Samoan employees in acquiring and maintaining relevant skills to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive workforce.
Since its establishment in 2007, APTC has trained over 19,000 graduates, including more than 2,200 Samoans.