A new partnership between the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and three
Samoan Government institutions will help enhance the skills of the Samoan workforce in the
energy, water and security sectors.
The Electric Power Cooperation (EPC), Samoa Water Authority (SWA) and the Samoa
Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) signed Memorandum of Agreements with
APTC on 17 March 2023.
Under the partnership, APTC will provide training to EPC, SWA and SPPCS staff in targeted
areas such as construction, plumbing/drainage, work health and safety, International Skills
Training, language, literacy and numeracy, and digital literacy.
The Minister for Samoa’s Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Honourable Faualo
Harry Schuster, said the partnership represents a strong commitment towards delivering
high-quality, accessible and relevant education and training for people in the workplace.
“I commend the EPC, SWA and SPPCS for working collaboratively towards the main
objective of enhancing the existing skills and knowledge of the workforce to improve on their
capacity to strengthen the delivery of its services through a respected and recognised
partnership with APTC,” he said.
APTC will also collaborate with the SPPCS to provide training assistance to prisoners as
part of the rehabilitation process to ensure they are reintegrated back into society and
become productive citizens.
SPPCS Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said they look forward to the partnership
with APTC for continuous staff capacity building and rehabilitation opportunities for
prisoners.
He added the implementation of the agreement will ensure that the SPPCS can continue to
improve on the service delivery of its core functions for a safe and secure Samoa.
The SWA Managing Director, Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger, said opportunities to enhance
the key skills of SWA staff will be explored through the collaboration with APTC.
“SWA prioritises the professional development of our staff as we aim to create a highly-
skilled and motivated workforce that is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of our
industry,” he said.
The EPC General Manager, Faumui Iese Toimoana, said EPC has always had a relationship
with APTC to support the professional development needs of its staff. He further said that
the new agreement signing is the first step to a long-term partnership between them.
The partnership contributes to Australia’s ongoing support in building a strong and resilient
Samoa.
Australian Acting High Commissioner to Samoa, Ms Claire McGeechan, said Australia is
working with the Government of Samoa to enhance the skills of Samoan workers for
sustainable growth and employment opportunities.

“Government agencies such as EPC, SWA and SPPCS provide essential contributions that
directly impact the lives of every Samoan, from ensuring access to clean water and
electricity, to promoting safe and secure communities. Strengthening the capabilities of
Samoa’s public sector ensures all Samoans can enjoy healthy and productive lives,” she
added.
The Interim APTC Executive Director, Nicki Baird, acknowledged the EPC, SWA and
SPPCS for their commitment to this partnership. She said APTC looks forward to working
with the partners to support the Samoan workforce with skills that will contribute to national
prosperity and progress.
The partnership will enable further learning and employment opportunities for APTC’s
Community Services, Plumbing and Construction students to take up work placements with
the EPC, SWA and SPPCS.
The three Government Agencies will also be supporting industry currency for APTC trainers.
They will also work together on joint Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
initiatives that support inclusive TVET for all Samoans.