The Fiji National University (FNU) is on track to train 100,000 people through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by 2027.

This was highlighted by FNU Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata.

Dr Tagicakiverata said this was part of FNU’s strategy in response to the Fiji Government’s concerns regarding the skills gap issue in Fiji due to the high number of skills migrations.

“This year has been a challenging year for FNU because of the concern raised by the government in the beginning of the year regarding the skills gaps issue in Fiji. There has been a lot of skills migration due to the employment schemes that are available,” he said.

“FNU responded by coming up with strategies that would assist the government of Fiji in training the right type and the right number of skilled people through TVET to work in the local industry.”

This year, FNU had a target of 12,000 (5000 for full awards and 7,000 for short courses). As of November, FNU exceeded the target with 5,338 for Full Awards and 13,295 for Short Courses, a total of 18, 633.

Dr Tagicakiverata stated this was indication that FNU’s TVET Strategy is working well.

“We have been working in collaboration with industry stakeholders to understand their specific needs and working with our team in FNU to come up with relevant programmes, competency-based programmes that will actually uplift the standard of work in the workforce.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata

“We have been working with local communities and understanding people’s aspirations, struggles and urgent needs for skills; for employment or for entrepreneurship, and provide appropriate TVET trainings for people in our peri urban and rural communities.”

FNU also responded to the call of government and provided free TVET training for street kids, street dwellers, single mums and people in informal settlements, allowing them opportunities to improve their lives.

The TVET strategy also targets schools, with FNU working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure clear pathways are available for students from secondary school, including those dropping out at primary levels.

According to Dr Tagicakiverata, the basic approach was keeping the TVET courses simple, relevant, cost-effective and competency based.

Students interested in studying TVET programmes at FNU can Apply Now for Semester 1, 2024 studies via the FNU website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/student/ or by email at admission@fnu.ac.fj.

For further information or queries, students can also text (toll-free) to 857 for Vodafone and Inkk users. Alternatively, applicants can visit any of the FNU campuses to submit applications.