FNU’s TVET Pasifika’s Free Short Course Graduation ceremony held at the TVET Centre at Robertson Road in Suva.

Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro said he looked forward to the future collaborations between the Ministry of Education and the Fiji National University (FNU) to highlight the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Fiji.

He made this statement while officiating as the Chief Guest at FNU’S TVET Pasifika’s Free Short Course Graduation ceremony held at the TVET Centre at Robertson Road in Suva last week Friday, whereby 151 students graduated from various short course trainings.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, FNU provided short course training in Domestic Electrical Installation, Basic Screen Printing, Basic Cookery, Small Engine Repair and Household and Sanitary Plumbing for street dwellers, street kids and residents of squatter and informal settlements.

Honourable Radrodro further added that the skills and knowledge that students attain from technical and vocational education and training provided individuals with trade expertise that is required for specific industries and professions.

“In developing nations, such as Fiji, where there is a need for a skilled workforce in various sectors like agriculture, tourism, construction, and healthcare, TVET education can help bridge the skills gap,” Honourable Radrodro said.

“TVET provides students with the skills and competencies required to secure gainful employment. In Fiji, where unemployment can be a significant issue, TVET programmes can help create a pool of skilled workers who are more likely to find suitable job opportunities.”

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said TVET courses are a beacon of hope and a pathway to a better future.

“They provide individuals with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to secure stable employment and improve their quality of life,” Professor Nabobo-Baba added.

“By offering free TVET courses to street kids and marginalised communities, we are not just providing education; we are breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives.”

Keleni Baubau Taria.

18-year-old Keleni Baubau Taria was among the 151 students who graduated from the Basic Cookery short course.

Taria looks forward to utlising the new cooking skills she attained during the five days to forge a career path ahead.

“This short course allowed me to learn a lot of different types of food in the past few days,” she said.

“I learnt of this short course through my father, he told me to enroll in it as I love cooking.”

“I cook mostly at my house, and it is my hobby. After I complete my studies, I wish to find a job with this certificate and further my studies in this field.”

TVET Pasifika

 FNU’s TVET Pasifika has prepared career pathways for every graduate from the Free Short Course training. These are as follows:

1. Students with basic secondary education up to Year 11 or 12, can further their qualifications in Certificate Level 3, 4 or Diploma. Scholarships can be organised under the different Colleges and the Tertiary Scholarships and Loan Scheme (TSLS).
2. Interested participants with trade skills and experience in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and domestic electrical, can visit our National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) in Narere, whereby our staff can discuss and organise Trade Tests for you to determine your skill level, and readiness for employment.
3. Additionally, the remainder of the students can further their interests in their chosen field at FNU’s Robertson Road TVET Centre, and attain a Certificate of Attainment, upon successful completion of a Practical Assessment from September 25-29, 2023.