Student attending the TVET First Workshop Programme at FNU’s Derrick Campus, Samabula.
Samabula, Fiji – The Fiji National University’s College of Engineering, Technical, Vocational, and Training (CETVET) today launched its TVET First programme at its Derrick Campus in Samabula.
This exciting initiative aims to challenge the traditional perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a secondary choice for students, particularly female students, by showcasing the promising career opportunities in vocational education.
The TVET First Programme provides students with industry-relevant training and hands-on experience, setting them up for success in high-demand sectors such as transport and engineering.
Designed for Year 11 students, the TVET First Programme provides an alternative educational path for students, offering them a chance to succeed without needing to drop out of school.
The programme is being piloted in collaboration with five secondary schools:
Over 200 students from DAV, ACS, and MBHS attended the launch and registration event today, with BMS and SJS set to join in the coming week.
ACS teacher, Selita Tamoi, thanked Fiji National University for selecting Adi Cakobau School as one of the pilot schools for this programme.
“At the end of this programme, I believe most of the students will have a clearer understanding of the career paths they will pursue.
“As they prepare to join Year 12 next year, they will leave high school knowing the pathway they want to follow in tertiary education.
“Most of the programmes are traditionally male-dominated, so the girls are so fortunate to be given this great opportunity to be part of this initiative,” she said.
Acting Dean for the College of Engineering, Technical Vocational Education & Training, Mr Salabogi Mavoa, spoke about the programme’s potential.
“We are excited to welcome you and hope that you will gain valuable skills during your time with us, which will help guide your future career path,” he said.
“When we started discussing this initiative last year, there were many questions about whether it would work.
But we believe in its success. Our job is to partner with you to ensure that you succeed in your career, and we want to see you thrive as you move forward in your education.”
Mavoa also highlighted the future growth of the programme, with plans for a larger cohort in the coming weeks.
“We are excited to have you here with us, and we want you to feel welcomed as part of our community. We have over 2,000 students at this campus, and we look forward to seeing you succeed with us over the next 24 weeks.”
The workshop programme will be held every Friday for the next 24 weeks.
It is set to expand to include Maritime Studies, Hospitality, and Tourism programmes, available at other Colleges/Centres under the Fiji National University.
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