Pranesh Chand is the Technical Officer at the Department of Energy.

As a high school student, Pranesh Chand always had the value of renewable energy sources at the forefront of his mind, which later led him to select a career in one of the world’s fastest-growing industry.

Chand completed his Trade Diploma in Renewable Energy Engineering in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) stream from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) in 2019.

“I was always concerned with global warming, pollution and depleting resources and I saw renewable energy as the only future technology to solve these problems. I knew a qualification in renewable energy is basically what I needed to make a difference and contribute to the development and installation of renewable energy projects in the country,” said Chand.

The passionate young man chose FNU after a trip to the University with his school mates. Like many students, Chand remembers being impressed with the range of programmes offered by the institution and was attracted to the close-knit community of the Department of Renewable Energy at CEST.

“I attended several open day events and educational fairs organised by the University. I was guided well by the teaching staff and was well-informed about the course area that I wanted to enrol into,” he mentioned.

Chand currently works as a Technical Officer, Department of Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, a position he credits to hard work, dedication, and the supportive learning environment and opportunities he had access to while studying at FNU.

“My role at work includes the promotion of energy conservation and efficiency initiatives, upgrading and maintenance of biogas projects and conducting rural electrification major/minor grid extension surveys, house wiring inspections and the verification and processing of payment to the electrical contractors.”

Chand, who hails from Koronubu, Ba, further added that TVET has played an instrumental role in shaping his career and credits his success to his parents, Mukesh Chand and Prem Lata.

“Work in the energy sector requires a range of technical skills and it was through FNU’s Trade Diploma in Renewable Energy Engineering that I was able to acquire these skills. At work, I have always applied the theories that I have learnt in class,” said the 23-year-old Technical Officer.

“TVET-related courses cover a lot of technical aspects which is practised in today’s workforce. It will enable one to have a hands-on experience in the industries and provides more opportunities for getting employment easier,” he stated.

“I am also grateful to my parents for their motivation and encouragement and allowing me to pursue a career in the TVET sector.”