It’s an indeed pleasure for me to attend this crucial ceremony – the graduation of apprentices who
successfully completed the Apprenticeship Program despite the impact of COIVID-19 to Samoa and
globally.
Today’s event marks the many initiatives by the government that are jointly implemented by MCIL and
key stakeholders under the guidance of the Apprenticeship Council.
The Apprenticeship Program for the Academic Year 2020 is quite unique as it’s coincided with
commitments and sacrifices by MCIL, NUS and SQA in trying to lift the program to the next level through
the implementation of accreditation process with the respective industries and all key stakeholders.
The main focus of the program for the 2020 Academic Year was to complete the review of the
Apprenticeship Curriculum. This included incorporating appropriate National Competency Standards
both theoretical and practical that resulted after extensive consultations with NUS being the Training
Provider, SQA the accredited body and Industries that provides On the Job Training.
This was to ensure all parties involved are well informed of the new structure for the Apprenticeship and
for the program to be recognized at the international level. Secondly is for Samoa to have a Ready Pool
of qualified Tradesmen and to encourage all especially the youths to pursue formal education. It is
essential for apprentices to realize the many employment opportunities at the trades area both local
and overseas.
Therefore attaining ‘Higher Trades Qualifications’ is essential to enrich individual skills and
qualifications, at the same time satisfying the requirements of the labour market. Consequently a
‘qualified workforce of trades people’ also means that efficiency and productivity is achieved for better
performances.
Moreover the graduates will be equipped with the right set of skills which will open doors to more
employment opportunities at overseas markets. It is also crucial for graduates to attain required skills
and experiences to establish their own businesses in the future.
To the Apprenticeship Graduating Class of 2020 – On behalf of the government of Samoa I would like to
congratulate you all for your endurance, hard work and commitment which had led to your successful
completion of your apprenticeship courses.
Today, you have achieved your goals and aspirations.
CONGRATULATIONS, MALO LE FAI O LE FAIVA.
Milestones:
The following are some of the milestones achieved by the ministry under the Apprenticeship,
Employment and Labour Market Division:
I. The reviewing of the 7 trades under the Apprenticeship Program is completed.
II. The Accreditation process involving the 3 Key Implementing Agencies, SQA, NUS and MCIL for
the Apprenticeship Program to be recognized internationally is now at the final stage.
III. The development of the New Apprenticeship Structure is completed and ready to roll on early
next year 2022 allowing the NUS being the training provider, to carry out the transition period
from the current to the newly formulated Apprenticeship Structure.
IV. The significant increase on the number of graduates under the Apprenticeship Scheme and the
Trade Testing Scheme from 46 in 2019 to 61 in 2020 is a remarkable achievement.
V. The report for the 2019 Labour Market Survey (LMS) is completed and the survey coverage is
dramatically increased from 930 employers covered with twenty one thousand employees
(21,000) in comparison to 730 employers and thirteen thousand (13,000) employees in 2016
LMS report. The recent survey report will assist Policy Makers, Education Sectors, Training
providers and stakeholders to identify skills demands and supply in the labour market
VI. The review of the 1st ever Samoan National Employment Policy (SNEP) 2016-2020 and the
formulation of the 2nd SNEP 2021-2025 is also at the final stage.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The government of Samoa through the Apprenticeship Council and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Labour would like to acknowledge the continuous support of all stakeholders and developments
Partners which have contributed to the success of the Apprenticeship Program, as follows
1. The Australia and New Zealand government support for PSET Providers under the Education
Sector Budget Support for funding the Workplace Assessment Project (WPA) which assisted the
reviewing of the Apprenticeship Curriculum.
2. The enormous contribution and continuous support from the business community and
individuals through providing sponsorship and support for the Apprenticeship Program through
providing employment opportunities and on-the-job training is acknowledged.
3. The International Labour Organization for financial and technical support through funding the
TA who is currently undertaking the SNEP Review and the formulation of the 2nd SNEP 2021-
2025 under MCIL Apprenticeship Employment and Labour Market Division.
4. The Ministry would like to extend gratitude to the CEO, Management and Staff of Samoa
Qualification Authority for the great partnership and the joint implementation of many projects
inclusive the Workplace Assessment Project that deals directly with reviewing of the
Apprenticeship Curriculum.
5. Special acknowledgement to the Vice Chancellor, the Dean and lecturers of the Faculty of
Technical Education of NUS for the collective effort with MCIL and SQA in trying to lift the
Apprenticeship Program to the next level.
6. The Country Director of APTC, Cherri Robertson for assisting the Apprenticeship Program Review
through work in collaboration with NUS re; reviewing National Competency Standards of the
Plumbing Trade.
7. Last but not least, a special tribute to the graduates, parents, families and friends for the
commitments and sacrifices that has contributed to this memorable event. Good luck and all the
best for future endeavors.
