Six young men and women departed for Fiji last Wednesday to begin a three-year course at the Fiji National University.
The six are apprentices of the American Samoa Power Authority who will be studying to become civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers.
ASPA CEO Wallon Young said this is the first group being sent to the Fiji National University. In the past, ASPA sent apprentices to the Manukau Institute of Technology in New Zealand which Young said was very expensive. “The price difference between Manukau an FNU is almost 5 to 1,” he said.
The apprentices have worked for ASPA for one year to familiarize themselves with the work load and what to expect. From this work experience, they have selected their course of study. ASPA pays for tuition, accommodation, and course material. And the apprentices are on full salary while attending school.
Young said ASPA will select another group for the apprenticeship program this year, and hopefully send them off to Fiji for study next year.
The six apprentices who left last week are:
- Luciano Fuataga
- Alivereti Reece
- Claudine Samuelu
- Andrew Ioane Jr.
- Palapala Fe’a
- Annamarie Luteru
Photo: ASPA
