When countries began closing their international borders last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shivneel Avilesh Anand found himself stranded in Fiji and unable to return to his family in New Zealand.
After spending months at home, Anand decided to be productive with his time and enrolled at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Seeing as he had completed Electrical and Electronic Engineering studies in New Zealand five years ago, Anand decided to undertake the Certificate IV in Electric Engineering programme at FNU’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST).
“I was always inspired to pursue studies in this field after seeing the significance of electronics in our daily life,” the 25-year-old explained.
“I love this industry since it allows me to be on the front lines of designing and manufacturing devices that change people’s lives.”
“Being an electrical engineer means having a lot of job opportunities in countries all around the world, as your gained knowledge does not limit you to only the country you studied in.”
Anand said he was able to adapt to student life and online learning with the help of supportive lecturers at CEST. Although attending lectures via Zoom had its limitations, he was able to work out a method of capturing information whilst listening to the instructors.
“A highlight of my studies is learning about innovation and the various technology and methods available to us,” he said. “There may always be something new for us to learn and for me this increases my passion for this field.”
“A long term life goal of mine is to be able to pass on my knowledge and teach someone who is interested in this field.”
Anand said the Certificate qualification would add to his knowledge base and enable him to be a qualified electrical inspector in New Zealand. He credits the drive and determination instilled in him by his role models as a source of motivation.
“I’ve been able to dream and achieve all this because of my parents. My late father was a humble man who wanted his son to graduate from university and become successful in life and although I worked tirelessly to make this a reality, my dad has unfortunately passed away.”
“My mother is the strongest person I know and is the source of my strength over the years.
Interested students who also wish to undertake the Certificate IV in Electric Engineering or any other TVET (technical and vocation education and training) courses at FNU can now study through the 5,000 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) placements.
Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Trade Diploma level qualifications. Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a minimum mark of 200/400 or completed Level 1 and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji.
Prospective students and interested participants can register and participate in the livestream sessions during the University’s Virtual Outreach Activities (VOA) from the 4th to the 22nd of October by emailing outreach@fnu.ac.fj or call the Outreach team on 931 7582.