One hundred fourteen students from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training & Productivity Centre (NTPC) graduated with Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in an elaborate ceremony at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.
For 54-year-old Vijendra Rao, graduating with a TAFE NSW Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management from NTPC’s Department of National Productivity & Industry Innovation is a lifelong achievement that he is proud of accomplishing. More so, given that Rao was also bestowed the prestigious TAFE Excellence Award during the ceremony for his remarkable efforts during the year and a half programme.
“From the day I started the course, I made sure that I do well to grasp the new leadership skills that the course taught,” Rao said.
“I am very grateful that my hard work paid off, and I was awarded this excellence award,” he added.
Rao was also thankful to NTPC for making this programme available in Tavua as there was not an NTPC/FNU Campus in the area.
“The fact that this advanced diploma programme was made available for us working students at Tavua College really helped make up my mind to pursue it. It was convenient and helped us manage our work, family life and studying as we did not have to travel long distances to other campuses in the Western Division where this course was offered,” he said.
Rao who is a section supervisor at the Vatukoula Gold Mines PLC (Fiji), said given the hazardous nature of the mining business, management relies a lot upon supervisors like him for leadership to ensure work continues without any incidents or accidents.
“Mining can be a hazardous business if there is bad management or leadership. I have been supported by my employer to pursue this programme, and I will use what I have learnt to lead the workers in the right direction,” he said.
Another successful graduate and awardee of the TAFE Excellence Award, Seemal Chandra said she was highly appreciative of the flexible nature of the programmes offered at NTPC. Chandra who transitioned from tourism and hospitality short courses into the diploma programme said being able to study for an Australian certified course was quite an attraction for her.
Chandra implored others to take the chance to upskill themselves when the opportunity arises as ‘the process of learning never stops’.
“I was quite fortunate that my employers are accommodating enough for me to study and work. It’s all a matter of negotiating with your employers and showing them the benefits you will bring on with your new skills,” she added.
The FNU graduation continues today at the FMF Gymnasium with the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (morning session) and College of Engineering, Science and Technology (afternoon session).
Vijendra Rao (centre) along with his family following the graduation ceremony at FMF Gymnasium in Suva