The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), National University of Samoa (NUS) and the
Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) renewed their commitment to continue working together
to promote the delivery of quality, inclusive and relevant technical and vocational education and
training (TVET) in Samoa.
The institutions signed partnership renewals on 17 June, extending their collaboration till 2023.
In his keynote address, Associate Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Honourable
Agaseata Tanuvasa Peto, said the collaboration between APTC, NUS and SQA will contribute
to the outcomes in Samoa’s Education Sector Plan, ensuring that education and training are
more relevant to national needs and the labour market.
The APTC and NUS have collaborated since 2007 and their latest partnership agreement was
formalised in 2019. Both institutions will continue to enhance the learning outcomes and
employability of Samoan graduates, including the design, development and accreditation of the
plumbing apprenticeship program to be delivered by the NUS that will help ensure more locally
qualified plumbers.
“This valuable partnership between APTC and NUS has also enabled students and staff from
NUS to access numerous capability development opportunities such as Language, Literacy and
Numeracy support, the Teacher Assistant program, Certificate III Trades courses, Certificate IV
in Leadership & Management, and International Skills Training courses, to name a few,” said
Peseta Dr Desmond Lee Hang, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of NUS.
SQA and APTC have collaborated since March 2021 on strengthening TVET quality and
capacity of TVET trainers. Recently, both institutions helped strengthen digital literacy for TVET
providers in Upolu and Savaii through the provision of new ICT equipment and resources. This
support was part of Australia’s assistance through the Samoa COVID-19 Development
Response Plan.
Looking forward, APTC and SQA will expand advocacy initiatives for the continuation of TVET
quality, access and training, as well as a greater capacity to support gender equity, disability
and social inclusion within Samoa’s TVET landscape.
“SQA on behalf of the TVET providers thank the APTC and Government of Australia for the
support towards capacity building of TVET trainers and ICT resources to ensure programs
delivered are of quality and relevant to the workplaces, not only in Samoa but internationally as
well. SQA is very pleased to continue collaboration with the APTC for the betterment of the
TVET sector in Samoa,” said Gatoloai Tilianamua Afamasaga, Chairperson, SQA Board.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Emily Luck, said the renewed
commitment by the partners to strengthening the national TVET sector contributes to
addressing education and skills needs for sectors hardest hit by COVID-19.
APTC Executive Director, Janelle Chapman added that APTC looks forward to engaging further
with both organisations to ensure sustainable outcomes that will support growth and prosperity
for Samoa through strengthened TVET outcomes and skills development.
APTC is Australia's flagship TVET investment in the region that has trained over 17,000
graduates, including more than 2,000 Samoans.