By ORCHY REX
A total of 102 students from the Port Moresby Technical College graduated yesterday with internationally recognized Australian qualifications across various fields.
The graduates completed qualifications in carpentry, hospitality, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, engineering pathways, and International Skills Training (IST).
Among the graduates were 36 women and this indicates the growing female participation in technical and vocational education.
These programs were made possible through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), Australia’s largest Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
The APTC focused in promoting inclusive skills development of both national and regional labor markets, has seen great success in PNG since its establishment.
The APTC program has trained 4, 310 Papua New Guinean citizens in various fields of study so far and it’s still counting.
Acting Secretary for Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST), Fr Jan Czuba, graced the event with his presence and delivered an inspiring keynote address.
He congratulated the students for their hard work and perseverance.
Czuba also praised the APTC for its impactful partnership with the PNG government.
“Since its establishment, APTC has trained 4, 310 citizens in different fields of study,” Fr Czuba said.
“It is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes of the dedication of both the students and APTC,” he said.
Czuba emphasized that this achievement reflects the growing human capital that will contribute to the country’s future development.
“This is not just a number but a testament to the growing human capital that will shape the future of our great nation.
“Each of you has taken a step forward in building not only your careers but also the prosperity of your communities, provinces, and country.”
He further commended APTC for equipping the graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their respective industries.
“It is a testimony to APTC for putting this program together. I must acknowledge the contribution APTC gave to the people of Papua New Guinea.”
Professor Czuba reminded the graduates of the opportunities available to them both locally and internationally.
“You are the lucky ones to have received internationally recognized certificates should you plan to pursue your careers overseas on the global workforce,” he said.
The acting Secretary encouraged the graduates to harness the expertise and knowledge they had acquired during their studies.
“Utilize the expertise and the invaluable knowledge you gained over your course of study as it is just the beginning of the greater things you may accomplish in the future.”
The graduating class now joins a growing number of skilled professionals ready to make meaningful contributions to Papua New Guinea’s workforce.
