Funded by the Australian government, the facilities include a new multi-purpose workshop which can be reconfigured to train electricians, carpenters, metal fabricators and other trades.
There are also student accommodation and classroom facilities and training tools with funding for operating cost for the first four years and an additional 500,000 kina, or $173,000, to help upgrade machine tooling facilities at the college.
Currently, there are more than 20 day and boarding students under the APTC scholarship program at the new college doing carpentry, automotive, fitter mechanics and metal fabricating.
Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane said the objective of the college was to provide Australian technical and vocational qualifications in areas of high demand with the aim of contributing to the development of a skilled work force.
“This institution can provide skills to our people to work anywhere in the world and for those who will train here, I encourage you to make the most of this rare opportunity,” Sir Paulias said.
Moraitis said the college would further strengthen education and further training between Australia and PNG.
The opening of the APTC also coincided with the graduation of 37 APTC students who completed their training last year at the APTC Vanuatu and Samoa campuses.
Graduands were from the school of automotive, construction and electrical and manufacturing and the school of hospitality and tourism.
