A FNU student at FNU’s Derrick Campus
The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes have been commended by the Ministry of Education for promoting inclusive education, vocational empowerment, and strengthening school-to-industry transition.
Speaking at yesterday’s Industry and Community Discussion Forum (ICDF), Ministry of Education’s Senior Curriculum Specialist (TVET Section), Dharnesh Raman, expressed deep appreciation for FNU’s efforts in supporting students who may not thrive through traditional academic pathways.
Dharnesh Raman
“Thank you, FNU, for standing for the students who cannot make it to higher education just through the normal examination-based curriculum,” said Raman.
One initiative that garnered significant acclaim was the TVET First Initiative, organised by the university’s College of Engineering and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (CETVET). In this endeavour, FNU opened its Derrick Campus for one day each week for 14 weeks, specifically to accommodate high school students, with particular emphasis on all-girls schools such as Adi Cakobau School and Ballentine Memorial School.
“Most women and girls in Fiji are affected by gender role stereotypes, and the TVET First initiative allows them to explore trades and technical careers in a safe and hands-on environment.”
“They are given the PPEs free of charge, and they go through every workshop trying to see if they’ve got the interest and the skills,” Raman said, describing the event as a powerful tool for encouraging gender inclusivity in trades.
He also highlighted and commended FNU’s flexible learning pathways, which allow students to enter tertiary education at various levels—from Certificate III through to postgraduate studies.
“There is a pathway for higher education at FNU. From Certificate IV, Diploma, then Degree, and then you can pursue your Postgraduate to Masters and PhD. The pathway is there, recognised and accessible,” he emphasised.
Additionally, Raman acknowledged the Ministry’s strengthened partnership with FNU as it expands vocational offerings at the secondary level.
“We are now bringing vocational education back!” Raman revealed, highlighting the introduction of vocational technology subjects from Year 9 onwards.
Looking ahead, Raman signalled upcoming policy developments, including a new TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) policy that will further support franchise programmes and open even more educational pathways.
“No child in Fiji will be left behind,” he affirmed. “We stand committed to work with FNU.”
FNU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor TVET Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata
FNU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, responded with gratitude and reiterated the university’s ongoing focus on graduate readiness.
“Ethics, punctuality, and workplace professionalism are embedded in our curricula, and our compulsory practicals and industry attachments, together with our renowned apprenticeship scheme, ensure that our graduates are truly work-ready,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.
He also added that the growing collaboration between MOE and FNU signals a transformative shift in how education is delivered and accessed in Fiji, putting practical skills and inclusive opportunities at the heart of national development.