Australia Pacific Training Coalition

Our Story The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is Australia's largest Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program operating across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Established in 2007 and currently in its third phase (scheduled to conclude in March 2025), it is implemented by TAFE Queensland on behalf of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Its core mission is to support inclusive skills development and ensure training aligns with national and regional labour market demands. Since 2007, APTC has achieved more than 42,700 completions, trained over 20,915 women (representing 44.5% of all trainees), and partnered with 51 TVET institutions. The program is presently transitioning to its next phase under the name Pacific Australia Skills, and new student enrolments are temporarily on hold. Programs & Trainings 🎓 Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) — Australian-accredited trade qualification preparing skilled carpenters for residential and commercial construction. 🎓 Certificate III in Wall & Floor Tiling (CPC31320) — Vocational certification specializing in tiling techniques for walls and floors. 🎓 Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120) — Entry-level programme covering foundational construction skills, safety, and site readiness. 🎓 Certificate II in Plumbing Services (11054NAT) — Introductory plumbing services training for maintenance and installation roles. 🎓 Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) — Aged care and disability support qualification equipping workers for domestic and overseas employment opportunities. 🎓 Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) — Advanced community services credential for professional counselling and mental health support pathways. 🎓 Certificate II in Sustainable Energy (Career Start) (UEE22120) — Foundational programme introducing sustainable energy systems and electrical sector pathways. 🎓 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) — Automotive mechanical repair and servicing qualification for light vehicles. 🎓 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) — Entry-level engineering skills covering workshop practices, technical drawing, and manufacturing basics. 🎓 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) — Professional culinary training producing internationally competent chefs for hotels and restaurants. 🎓 Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622) — Broad hospitality operations qualification covering food and beverage service, accommodation, and supervision. 🎓 Certificate II in Hospitality (SIT20322) — Introductory hospitality skills for front-line roles in food, beverage, and accommodation services. 🎓 Certificate III in Tourism (SIT30122) — Travel and tourism operations training for the regional tourism and visitor economy. 🎓 Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20119) — Employability skills and foundational literacy/numeracy for workforce entry. 🎓 Aged Care Training — Specialized short-course programming designed to prepare Pacific workers for overseas aged care employment under labour mobility schemes. 🎓 Welding & Fabrication — Practical technical training in welding trades supporting infrastructure and engineering career development. 🎓 Youth Work Qualifications — Australian-accredited training targeted at youth workers, such as the Solomon Islands youth work programme. 🎓 TVET Educator Professional Development — Capacity-building workshops and upskilling sessions for technical and vocational teachers and institutional leaders. Specialties 🎯 Australian TVET Qualifications (accredited and non-accredited) 🎯 Labour Mobility and Pacific Workforce Placement 🎯 Gender Equity, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI) 🎯 Skills for Infrastructure (carpentry, plumbing, construction, tiling) 🎯 Climate & Disaster Resilience 🎯 Hospitality, Tourism & Commercial Cookery 🎯 Automotive & Engineering Trades 🎯 Community Services, Aged Care & Counselling 🎯 Sustainable Energy & Emerging Technologies 🎯 TVET Partnership Strengthening Methods & Approach All courses are delivered in English and require applicants to undertake language, literacy, and numeracy assessments, plus vocational knowledge assessments where relevant industry experience must be demonstrated. APTC applies Australian competency-based standards calibrated to local labour market intelligence, ensuring graduates meet employer expectations across the Pacific region and in Australia. Training is delivered semester by semester at APTC campuses and partner facilities, with specific course offerings varying according to industry demand in each country. The organization embeds inclusive access principles, actively targeting women, people with disabilities, and socially marginalized groups through its GEDSI framework. Who It's For Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals seeking Australian-recognized vocational qualifications; women entering non-traditional trades; workers aiming for labour mobility placements in Australia; school leavers and youth seeking technical careers; employed adults upskilling for supervisory or line-manager roles in hospitality, construction, and community services; TVET educators requiring professional development; and regional employers seeking job-ready graduates. Facilities & Practical Info APTC operates campuses and delivery sites across ten jurisdictions: Fiji Islands (Regional Head Office), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Nauru, and Tuvalu. Programmes are offered face-to-face at these locations, with semester intakes and availability shifting by country based on labour market demand. As the organization transitions to Pacific Australia Skills, new student enrolments are currently paused; prospective applicants should monitor the website for reopening dates and campus-specific schedules. Location Address: NUS Building, Vaivase Rd, Apia, Samoa Hours: See website for current schedule and campus-specific timings The "+" ✅ Australian Government-backed qualifications implemented by TAFE Queensland, ensuring international recognition and strong employer prestige across the Pacific. ✅ Proven labour mobility pathway with 2,618 graduates placed in employment since 2019, including direct access to Australian aged care and hospitality sectors. ✅ Explicit Gender Equity, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI) mandate, achieving 44.5% female participation and targeted outreach to marginalized communities. ✅ Extensive regional network spanning ten countries and 51 TVET partners, enabling localized, responsive training that addresses national skills shortages. ✅ Industry-aligned curriculum informed by real labour market data, significantly reducing post-hire training time for employers.