Undertaking a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course at the Fiji National University (FNU) enables students to gain industry-relevant skills and knowledge within a quicker timeframe and be workforce-ready, according to FNU graduate Jason Pillay.

The 22-year-old from Lautoka said he developed an immense interest in architecture when he was in high school. He was overjoyed to learn later that FNU had a programme that suited his interest.

Pillay enrolled in the Diploma in Architectural Drafting offered at the University’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) at Derrick Campus in Suva.

“I took the opportunity to gain qualifications in this field and I believe it is important that people choose a field they have great interest in,” Pillay said.

“My learning experience was a positive and enriching one. I was able to transition and cope well at FNU because of the great learning environment.”

“The academic and support services, as well as the resources available on campus whilst studying and doing assignments were also beneficial.”

Pillay said he was able to balance his studies with family time by travelling to the West during the weekends after completing his school assessments.

“I am grateful my family have always been supportive and encouraged me to follow my dreams,” he said.

“The lecturers in my course were also approachable and would explain concepts in an alternative way if needed so that I could understand things better.”

“This is an interesting and exciting field and I plan to continuously upgrade my qualifications and become a highly qualified Architectural draftsman,” Pillay stated.

He is currently a technical Architectural draftsman at TropicX Design Studio in Nadi and assists his seniors with drawings and amendments, site visits and inspections and measures and prepares reports and documentation.

Students completing or have completed Year 12 or 13 have the opportunity to undergo Semester 1, 2022 studies in the Diploma in Architectural Drafting or any other TVET course at FNU through the 5,000 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) placements.

Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma level qualifications.

Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a minimum mark of 200/400 or completed Level I and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji.

Students can visit our website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more about our programmes and submit an online application.