Australia Pacific Training Coalition

APTC is committing to strengthening work-ready skills to improve employment opportunities for individuals across the Pacific region. As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, APTC joined forces with the Pacific Labour Fund (PLF) and Department of Labour in Vanuatu to implement an exciting training initiative that includes a suite of training opportunities. This innovative program includes the launch of a 12-month radio program for adult learners across Vanuatu, including those who are considering working abroad. The program focuses on general employability skills, hygiene and well-being. One strength of this initiative is its downloadable podcasts, presented in a blend of English and Bislama, making this ground breaking opportunity accessible to everyone. Collaboration with Wan Smolbag has assisted greatly in this initiative. Additional components of the broader initiative include both face-to-face training and online learning for 64 participants. 64 Ni-Vanuatu have already received Certificates of Participation for successfully completing the face-to-face training designed to strengthen their work-ready skills and language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills. These participants are also enrolled in the self-paced online micro-credentials MCOOO15 Communication Technologies of Business Success and MCCOOO13 Digital Literacy Essentials. Participant feedback has been very positive, particularly regarding the digital literacy aspects which enable the participants to strengthen their online capability and confidence in digital learning.