The National TVET Forum to be hosted by the Fiji National University (FNU) on 14 April 2023 will provide the platform for a national conversation on the skills gap issue in Fiji and TVET strengthening in general.

FNU’s TVET Pasifika – which brings together a full range of TVET programmes offered by FNU – will work with the Fiji Government, industry partners, and relevant stakeholders at the Forum to highlight issues and resolutions in the TVET sector.

The one-day interactive and intensive session at the Nasinu Campus will feature over 200 participants. This will be the beginning of other events and strategic directions reset by FNU in this very important sector. This reset will be done with stakeholder consultation.

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the Forum will bring together key stakeholders in Fiji to discuss issues in the TVET sector in the hope that key areas of further development will be identified and strategic partnerships identified to map ways forward.

“The National TVET Forum solidifies FNU’s commitment in training the region’s workforce for employability and productivity, as well as continually serving our stakeholders,” Professor Nabobo-Baba shared.

“The action strategies highlighted in this Forum will contribute towards the betterment of the nation’s local industries as well as the region’s.”

“Additional topics to be discussed at the Forum include productivity in the workforce, Fiji TVET Association membership, and the review of the National TVET Policy.”

FNU Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the National TVET Forum was the first to be hosted post-pandemic. The University last hosted the World TVET Conference in 2016.

“The National TVET Forum is an opportunity for key stakeholders to be present in one space to discuss the perspective of the industry, government and training institutions,” Dr Tagicakiverata said.

“At the end of the forum, representative should be able to return to their sectors with key practical and realistic takeaways that they can action by themselves in their own organization.”

Dr Tagicakiverata added that Ministry of Education representatives would also present on the progression of the National TVET Policy.

“Seeing as the Fiji National University is the largest TVET training provider, it is fitting to have the Ministry present on the policy and its development.”

“The attendees will also be invited to become members of the Fiji TVET Association; this we aim to revive this year.”

For more information on the TVET Pasifika National TVET Forum, please contact Sikeli Waqatairewa on Phone 3311009 (Ext 4516) email sikeli.waqatairewa@fnu.ac.fj, Priya Chandrani on Phone 3311004 (Ext 4021) email priya.chandrani@fnu.ac.fj or Archana Sami on Phone 3311009 (Ext 4850) email archana.sami@fnu.ac.fj.