PCAS student, Viliame Temo Vakacautadra.

The Fiji National University (FNU), in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), will host its inaugural Beyond the Skies Aviation Open Day tomorrow.

Held under the theme “Inspiring Fiji’s Future Aviation Workforce,” the inaugural event is expected to attract thousands of students, educators and industry representatives.

Designed to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the aviation industry, Beyond the Skies aims to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals while supporting the development of a skilled local workforce.

Secondary schools from Nadi and Lautoka have been invited to participate, giving Year 11 to 13 students the opportunity to engage with aviation professionals, gain first-hand insights into the industry and explore a wide range of career pathways.

For FNU Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies (PCAS) student Viliame Temo Vakacautadra, the event represents an opportunity to inspire others to pursue careers in aviation.

CAAF Chief Executive, Theresa Levestam.

The 24-year-old, who is currently studying for a Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical) (Level 4), said he was looking forward to seeing CAAF and FNU work together to encourage and motivate future aviation professionals.

Originally from Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu in Lau, Viliame said the Open Day would provide students with valuable information, guidance and genuine opportunities within the aviation industry.

“I believe this Open Day has the potential to encourage and inspire individuals who are interested in aviation, especially those who may still be uncertain about pursuing a career in the industry,” he said.

Viliame added that through the experiences, information and opportunities shared during the event, he hopes it will reignite their passion for aviation, build their confidence and inspire them to take the next step towards achieving their goals in this exciting field.

“I developed the passion for aviation at the age of six, and that passion has stayed with me ever since,” stated Viliame.

He further stated that when his family moved from Suva to Nadi, his parents told him that they were going to the airport to board an aircraft.

“Little did I know we were moving to a house located near the runway. That was the first time I saw an aircraft up close, and from that moment I knew that one day I wanted to work on aircraft and be part of the aviation industry,” said Viliame.

FNU’s Head of Training for Aviation Studies, Mr Abraar Khan.

Today, he remains focused on achieving his dream of becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer.

“I remain committed to pursuing my goals in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and I hope to continue growing, learning and contributing positively to the aviation industry. Aviation is an exciting and rewarding field, and every journey begins with the courage to take the first step,” he reiterated.

Viliame also looks forward to meeting prospective students during the Open Day and sharing his own journey with them.

FNU’s Head of Training for Aviation Studies, Mr Abraar Khan, welcomed the partnership between FNU and CAAF and expressed his excitement ahead of the inaugural event.

“I am particularly excited about this collaboration and confident that it will be a success. More importantly, I believe it will inspire many young people to pursue careers in the aviation industry,” he said.

CAAF Chief Executive, Theresa Levestam, said the event was about making aviation careers more visible and accessible to young Fijians.

“For many young Fijians, aviation is admired from a distance but seldom made accessible. Beyond the Skies changes that. For one day, our students will stand alongside the pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and safety inspectors who keep Fiji connected to the world and see plainly that these careers are within their reach. If even one student leaves knowing where to start, we will have done our job.”

The inaugural Beyond the Skies Aviation Open Day will commence tomorrow at 9.00am at FNU’s Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus.