Jason Mallam and his colleges are often seen strapped to the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) poles, repairing cables and miraculously restoring electricity supply. Mallam is an Installation & Maintenance electrician “A” but becoming an Electrician wasn’t Mallam’s initial choice.
Like many youngsters, FNU alumnus, Jason Mallam had a dream to be a pilot. The unfortunate reality was that becoming one required a lot of money so he couldn’t afford it.
From then on, he grabbed every opportunity that came his way.
Youngest in a family of five, Mallam was born and raised in Toorak, Suva. He comes from a very diverse background; Fijian/Nepalese mother and Indian/Saudi Arabian father. He attended Marist Brothers Primary School and Marist Brothers High School.
After high school, Mallam moved to New Zealand and worked a few jobs before moving back to Fiji in 2009. He picked up a few different jobs in Fiji but realized that he needed to focus on one field to build his career.
So in 2013, Mallam visited the Fiji National University’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) to explore options.
“I wanted to get further education in architecture as my interest was in that area, having studied AutoCAD earlier. However, there were no courses offered for this programme. I spoke to one of the lecturers and he advised me to take up Trade Diploma in Electrical Engineering,”
He enrolled in the Trade Diploma in Electrical Engineering programme and began studying in 2013. Having completed one semester, he applied for attachment at Power Electric Ltd (Suva). After completing the six months attachment he was promoted to Electrician (General class). Mallam continued working for Power Electric Ltd while studying and was soon promoted to Senior Electrician position.
Mallam graduated with a Trade Diploma in Electrical Engineering after two years in December 2015.
Pondering about his experience from FNU, he said, “All in all, I can say FNU has given me an insight into what to expect in the real world. The tremendous teaching staff with a wealth of experience in the industry have assured me of what to expect. I am truly indebted to them.”
“FNU offers programmes that incorporate practical with theory. I feel this is more appropriate because we learn better practically rather than theoretically,” he added.
Having worked for Power Electric Ltd for three years, Mallam moved to Energy Fiji Limited (Formerly Fiji Electricity Authority) as a Meter test electrician “A” in August 2016. In September 2017, he was promoted to Installation & Maintenance electrician “A”, the position he currently serves on.
“My job currently involves a lot of travelling with a variety of wiring systems and practices. I enjoy meeting people of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. It is an incredible feeling to see smiles on people’s faces. Another reason I love my job is that every day is a learning experience. I learn things that I had very little knowledge about,” said Mallam while speaking about his job.
His advice to students is, “get to know your classmates and learn to work with each other. Once you develop this habit, it will be easy to get along in the work force. As for future students, I encourage you to take up electrical if you are not sure on what career you wish to pursue. I have done bartending, waiting, plumbing, data cabling and even cleaning but by far I enjoy electrical the most as its always a challenging experience.”
Mallam is married and the couple are expecting their first child in December.