College of the Marshall Islands students engaged in their practical workshop which was part of NTPC’s specialised training programme delivered by via e-platform.

Fiji National University’s National Training & Productivity Centre (NTPC) has successfully expanded its services in the Pacific region by providing specialised training in selected programmes via an e-learning platform.

NTPC recently formalised a partnership with the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) and delivered a range of programmes greatly benefitting the regional students.

College of Marshall Island’s (CMI) Dean of Adult and Continuing Learning Rigieta Lord says a majority of the participants who undertook training with NTPC have successfully secured employment.

“Out of the 49 students that undertook the training in Majuro, 12 have secured full-time employment at one of the largest construction companies on the island, 19 joined CMI, one departed for Hawaii, and the remaining are waiting to start their Internship with organisations here on the island for three months,” Lord said in a statement.

“From the 21 students in the Ebeye class, eight joined CMI to attend full-time classes in Carpentry and other programmes, and the remaining are going to join the NTC Internship programme for three months.”

“This first-ever collaboration to enhance our high school graduates skills in Vocational, and choosing this pathway as a means of moving into higher qualifications is a milestone achievement for the College, for NTC (National Training Council) and the nation. We believe that there is a future of partnership with FNU-NTPC.”

The courses delivered by NTPC in the Marshall Islands consisted of all three modules of the Training of Trainers programme, short courses in plumbing and construction, electrical and electronics, welding and a specialised trade test and apprenticeship programme. There were also three introductory Information Technology courses offered, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Culinary Arts courses along with the rural training under NTPC’s Community Alternative Learning.

NTPC Director Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said this was a unique opportunity for NTPC to deliver its tested skills training to the other Pacific Island State.

“As Fiji’s premier technical training institution, NTPC has a lot to offer to the region with its certified and established short courses, and we are glad to offer our services to CMI,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.

“The adoption of the NTPC training is in line with CMI’s pursuit for recognition of good performance and professional development of its experienced employees and that the NTPC is uniquely positioned to successfully enhance CMI’s efficiency, performance effectiveness and overall service delivery,” he added.

CMI primarily serves students from within the Micronesian region and is designated as the national post-secondary institution for the Marshall Islands.

All the specialised training programmes were developed and delivered by NTPC trainers to the small island state. NTPC trainers carried out assessments on completion of the short courses and provided the necessary award certifications.

Dr Tagicakiverata said NTPC is willing to assist other institutions from around the Pacific region to deliver specialised training programmes.