The Fiji National University (FNU) is shaping the future by empowering senior secondary school students with insightful career guidance sessions. This recent initiative targeted students from Saint Joseph Secondary School, Suva Grammar School, and Ballantine Memorial School.

FNU’s outreach team aimed to broaden students’ educational horizons and equip them with knowledge of the diverse career paths offered by the university. The interactive sessions exposed students to a range of academic options, from certificate, diploma, and higher education programmes.

Saint Joseph Secondary School’s Assistant Principal, Asena Waqanicakau, emphasised the importance of early guidance for secondary school students.

“While careers expo often targets senior secondary school students, we involve our Year 9 students with the aim that they are able to identify future career paths and align them with subject choices when they reach Year 11,” said Waqanicakau.

At the Suva Grammar School Careers Fair, Eliki Baleinakama, visited FNU’s booth to enquire about FNU’s aviation programmes.

“We were fortunate to have FNU here advising us of our future endeavours after high school and to turn our dreams into reality,” said the Suva Grammar School student.

Representatives from FNU’s five colleges and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) and the Pacific Centre for Marine Studies (PCMS) presented comprehensive programme details and overview of FNU’s comprehensive services, providing a well-rounded understanding of the university’s offerings.

The spotlight on Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) programmes highlighted second-chance opportunities for students who may not have excelled in traditional academics.

Ballantine Memorial School Vice-Principal, Mrs Emi Veilawa, applauded FNU’s approach of bringing career pathways directly to students.

“Having college representatives present was incredibly valuable. Students were able to relate and ask questions comfortably, gaining a clearer understanding of career paths linked to their chosen subjects,” she explained.

Meanwhile, eleven Year 13 students from Cicia High School in Lau, delved into exploring FNU’s central campuses and programmes. This visit was particularly impactful for these students given their limited access to the internet on their island, according to School head girl, Kesaia Temo.

“We were able to hear directly from campus representatives the different programmes and pathways available for us once we complete high school. A few of us have already identified what career path we will take up at FNU,” said Temo.