APTC Boosts Hotel Skills: Lockington
The students have completed Australian qualifications in 17 different technical and vocational programmes from APTC in Nadi.
The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) has provided over 880 graduates who have joined the hospitality industry.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Fantasha Lockington while delivering her keynote address at the APTC graduation of 57 students at the Novotel Nadi yesterday.
She said APTC contributed by providing qualified students that some workplaces lacked.
Mrs Lockington said APTC’s hospitality programme was enhanced with theory and industry expectations.
The students have completed Australian qualifications in 17 different technical and vocational programmes from APTC in Nadi.
Key strategy
A key strategy for FHTA was working with providers like APTC to meet the needs of hotel operators. “Your individual commitment has brought you all here.
“As recipients of an internationally recognised Australian qualification, you are now equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge that are in line with various industry demands,” Mrs Lockington said. “This means you have the power to raise the standard of work practices where you go and share the skills you have learned with colleagues in your workplaces.
“You now have the skills to share these newly acquired skills with colleagues in your workplaces.” Mrs Lockington paid special mention to the 16 women graduates, especially those from the hospitality courses.
“Women make a very valuable contribution to the tourism industry and which is rarely celebrated or discussed.”
She said tourism was the only industry that employed more women than men.
“Today’s recipients for the Leadership and Management programme are the first group of students that have completed this qualification our of APTC’s partnership with the Fiji Higher Education Commission.”
She commended them for taking on the challenges in their studies to achieve higher qualification. She thanked the Australian Government for establishing APTC over 10 years ago and the continued support.
Raft opportunities
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, said higher education opened the door to a raft of opportunities.
“I am very pleased that Australia, through the APTC, has helped Fijians like you to be able to make the most of those opportunities,” Mr Feakes said.
“Your sheer hard work, perseverance and sacrifice have paid off. “With your proven determination to succeed, I’m confident that you’ll all make a difference in your communities with your newfound skills and knowledge.”
The graduates were awarded qualifications in carpentry, cookery, electrotechnology, fabrication, diesel fitting, disability, fitting and machining, hospitality, leadership and management, light vehicle mechanical technology, painting and decorating, patisserie, plumbing, tourism and youth work.