11 Sep 2007

Australia opens first of four new technical colleges

10:18 am on 11 September 2007

The Australian Government opened its Papua New Guinea Technical College yesterday with diesel mechanics the first course opened to students.

The college aims to ensure that graduates gain skills that are in demand regionally and worldwide.

Canberra is opening similar facilities in Vanuatu, Samoa and Fiji.

The focus in PNG is to be on welders, refrigeration air-conditioning electricians, metal fabricators, plumbers and carpenters.

A metal fabrication, electrical and carpentry and joinery workshop are to be built at Port Moresby Pacific Technical College.

The three million US dollar facility will include classrooms, accommodation and administration facilities.

The Australian Government intends spending 130 million US to establish the four colleges and aims to graduate 3,000 Pacific Island students by 2011.