Over 12,000 Fijians benefit from Australia’s largest skills programme
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts says the concluded APTC delivered full qualifications and upskilling for thousands, with the new Pacific Australia Skills to continue supporting training and jobs in Fiji.
Thursday 25 September 2025 | 08:30
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts (middle) with students during the TVET Skills Fair and Careers Exposition at the National Gymnasium in Suva on September 25, 2025.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
Over 12,000 Fijians have benefited from Australia's largest skills investment programme which concluded in March this year.
Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts revealed this at the TVET Skills Fair opening at the National Gymnasium on Thursday, highlighting the impact of the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
“Under the APTC, Australians supported here in Fiji over 7000 Fijians to graduate with full qualifications and a further 5784 Fijians to upskill through short courses and micro-conventions,” Mr Roberts said.
APTC was Australia’s largest skills investment ever, delivering qualifications and skilled workers to support local training partners across the Pacific.
The programme has now transitioned to Pacific Australia Skills, which will continue focusing on skills and jobs while building on Australia's commitment to support training in Fiji. Mr Roberts said the new programme will work closely with the Fiji Government to ensure training meets local needs as the economy grows.
“It will be about delivering quality training qualifications, strengthening Fijian training systems, institutions and staff,” he said.
He stressed the programme’s focus on inclusion, ensuring all Fijian youth including women, girls, people with disabilities and underrepresented groups have access to opportunities.
The High Commissioner also announced changes to the Australian Awards Programme, making it more flexible to meet practical skills needs.
“A few years ago, the Australian Awards Programme really meant higher level university degrees, master’s level degrees, but we’re making it much more flexible to meet the needs that we have,” Mr Roberts said.
This includes opportunities for scholarships, informal training, short courses and fellowships with flexible training options in Australia. The programmes aim to support young graduates feel confident and prepared for the workforce, either in Fiji or across the region.
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