122 Get Aust Recognised Papers
Participants from Rakiraki who had either lost their jobs or had hours reduced in workplaces as a result of the closure of penang Mill were given a chance yesterday to begin a new life.
This followed their graduation in courses from the Australian Pacific Technical College in a ceremony held at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka yesterday.
They were part of 122 graduates, including 35 women of the sixth and last cohort of students to graduate under the EU funded Training Support to the Fijian Sugarcane Industry Project implemented by the college.
This also completed the final phase of EU’s Support to the Sugar Industry Programme (SSIP). Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific Deputy Head of Delegation Corrado Pampaloni said the graduates were among the beneficiaries of a $9.4 million project funded by the EU and implemented by the college.
“The project provides vocational training to students to enhance their capacity and help improve the efficiency and productivity of the sugar industry,” Mr Pampaloni said.
He said as at the end of June this year, more than 1600 farmers, mill workers, administrative staff and industry managers had acquired 21 Australian standard qualifications and skill sets, together with customised short courses and workshops.
“Also 350 leader farmers have attended workshops, including Farming as a Business module to enhance their leadership and farm management skills.
Mr Pampoloni said The Habitat for Humanity Fiji and the college joined forces to construct 70 transitional houses across the sugar belts in Fiji and at the same time provided training opportunities for 69 students in Certificates in Construction.
“APTC/HFH had been able to successfully convene 20 Build Back Safer (BBS) three-day workshops across all sugar cane growing sectors around the country, training 300 farmers and community members.”
He urged the Rakiraki graduates to convert this challenge into an opportunity “as you close this portion of your life and prepare for the next steps into a new career.”
The 122 students received an internationally-recognised Australian qualification.
Students graduated with Certificate II, III and IV level qualifications in five different areas, including leadership and management, construction, skills for work, electro-technology and engineering.