The Australian-funded Australia Pacific Technical College, which will provide internationally-recognised courses at training centres in Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, has been declared officially open, a Radio Australia report on Pacnews said.
Last year the Australian Government pledged $US128million or more than F$272million to set up and operate the college.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said the first student intake this month would offer training in tourism and hospitality to fill critical skill shortages and boost employment opportunities and economic growth in the region.
The college is targetting the industry sectors of automotive, construction, manufacturing and electrical trades, tourism and hospitality, health and community services.
Mr Downer said from 2008, scholarships would be available to enable students, especially those from smaller island states, to participate.
Report by The Mole
