FNU Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET Pasifika and NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, speaking at the Industry and Community Discussion Forum at the FNU Namaka Campus last Friday.

“It doesn’t matter where you start, through the Fiji National University (FNU) there is a pathway for you.”

These were the sentiments expressed by the FNU Pro Vice-Chancellor Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Pasifika and National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata at the Industry and Community Discussion Forum (ICDF) at the FNU Namaka Campus last Friday.

Whether you are a school leaver, working professional, or someone looking to re-enter education, FNU offers nationally accredited qualifications ranging from TVET certificates to diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate programs.

FNU Head of Namaka Campus, Ateca Yavaca speaking with participants following the Industry and Community Discussion Forum at the FNU Namaka Campus.

The forum brought together entrepreneurs, industry workers and even community leaders to have a say in relation to the programmes offered by the University and the expectations required from the various industry sectors.

In his presentation, Dr Tagicakiverata emphasised that any individual in Fiji was guaranteed a future at the FNU.

“If someone is incarcerated, residing in a village, an unemployed youth, a single mother, a person with a disability, or an elderly member of our community – it does not matter where you begin; there are opportunities for training and skills development here at FNU,” he said.

“Everyone has the opportunity to acquire a skill or trade—be it sewing, cookery, plumbing, or any other craft. People can not only gain a skill and earn a certificate, but also, and this is something we strongly advocate, use that skill to become entrepreneurs and start their own small businesses.

Avinesh Gounder, a former FNU tutor with the NTPC and former Service Manager at Asco Motors, emphasised that the forum was highly impactful, providing him with an opportunity to share insights on the industry’s needs for incoming FNU graduates.

Airports Fiji Limited Fleet Manager, Avinesh Gounder.

Gounder currently serves as the Fleet Manager at Airports Fiji Limited.

“I participate in this forum each year, and I find it highly informative, as it encourages the sharing of knowledge—allowing us to learn about what FNU offers and what the industry requires,” said Gounder.

“This is an excellent forum organised by FNU to engage with various organisations and gather our feedback.”

Gounder added that he was prepared to collaborate with the university.

With campuses and centres across Fiji and increasing online delivery, FNU ensures that education is accessible to students regardless of their location.