Hicks, the Engineering Technician

HicksGrowing up, Sitiveni Hicks was always interested in lending a helping hand towards the development of Fiji. He saw the importance of having excellent infrastructure like roads and bridges and learnt that all such construction was made possible by engineers. He decided that he was going to become an engineer as well.

Hicks took up science subjects at school to build a strong foundation for further studies at university. After completing Year 13, Hicks enrolled in the Trade Diploma in Civil Engineering programme at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) at the Derrick campus.

“I was excited about the new journey ahead. I knew these were initial steps to making my dream a reality,” he said.

“Life as a student was great. I made many new friends, and I learnt many important life lessons such as how to be independent,” he added.

Hicks graduated with a Trade Diploma in Civil Engineering in December 2014 and the following year he enrolled in Certificate IV in Plumbing and Sheet metal as he had developed an interest in the field while studying at CEST.

“Plumbing and Sheet metal was a different field but one which complimented my Civil Engineering knowledge,” said Hicks.

He graduated with the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Sheet metal in 2015, and a few weeks later, at the turn of 2016, he joined the Structural Section at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Transport for three months as a Trainee Draftsman under an internship programme. While there, he enrolled in Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering which he completed the same year.

“I wanted to upgrade my qualification in my primary field, so I enrolled in the Advanced Diploma programme. I had already done a Trade Diploma so I only had to study for an additional year to attain the Advanced Diploma,” he added.

Following his internship at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Transport, Hicks received an opportunity to join another internship at the Water Authority of Fiji for six months in the Operations Section with the Planning and Design Team.

Hicks says that FNU has helped pave his career path.

“FNU provided useful resources. The lecturers were excellent and had lots of experience, so we had the opportunity to learn better,” Hicks elaborated.

Hicks is a true student. When FNU introduced the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) programme, he seized the opportunity and enrolled. Having successfully cross crediting most of the units from his earlier qualifications, he was able to complete the degree in two years, graduating in 2018.

“While I was finishing my Bachelor’s programme, I managed to secure an internship at GHD Fiji for five months working on three different projects: the Nausori Runway Extension Project, the Black Rock Project-Nadi and the Rotuma Runway Project,” he shared.

In 2019, Hicks joined Pacific Energy as an Engineering Technician – a position he currently holds. His role includes the construction of gabion wall, retaining wall, laying of subsoil pipes with proper size aggregates, survey works, laying of v-drains and culverts over a distance of more than 70 meters and so on.

“I like what I do. My job involves making ideas come to life,” said Hicks.

Hicks credits his success to God, his father and all his family and friends who believed in him.

“First and foremost, I thank God as, without him, there is no success. I am also very grateful for all that my dad has done for me. He raised me as a single parent as my parents had separated when I was very young,” he said.

Giving his advice to current students of FNU, Hicks said, “Never give up. Remember to try to leave a legacy behind. Learn to inspire others. Someone will surely look up to you,” he shared.