Nittal Chand with fellow students at FNU Ba Campus.

The urge to fulfil her childhood dream and steer into a new career was the driving force behind Nittal Ragni Chand’s decision to work towards her Certificate IV in Automotive Engineering (Automotive Electrical & Electronics) at the Fiji National University (FNU).

The thirty-nine-year-old Chand states that it is never too late to learn a new trade, and age should never be a barrier to learning.

“Navigating a career change can be intimidating and terrifying but for a better life and a better chance to find a job in the area that I love was what motivated me to pursue studies in the automotive engineering field,” said Chand.

Offered through FNU’s College of Engineering, Science & Technology (CEST), Chand said the programme is preparing her for a career in the automotive engineering trades industry.

Mother to an eighteen-year-old Chand wants to leave a positive example on her son.

“I’m doing this for my son so that he can know that irrespective of any hurdles that come his way, if he wants to do something, he can achieve it by working hard,” she said.

After working as, a laboratory technician for several years, Chand realised that it wasn’t the envisioned career.

“I worked at standard concrete whilst I figured out what I wanted to do. Then I realised that I always had a passion for cars as I always gave a helping hand to my brother when he repaired our family car.”

“I knew that without qualifications, I wouldn’t get the change I desired and would be stuck in a job I didn’t like. I researched and found that FNU’s offers the programme at Ba campus and quickly enrolled as it is closer to home.”

“I chose FNU because I had previously visited the campus and found what the programme would cover and the facilities that were available to students.”

The Nadi native said that the staff at FNU has been accommodating and helpful.

“I already knew a bit of automotive, but I wanted to turn it into a full-time career. The staff and lecturers are very supportive, which has boosted my confidence. Without the support, my tertiary journey would be difficult. I’m so grateful for this support that made my transition easier and helped me gain the skills that I lost during my life away from school for many years.

Chand adds the programme focuses on industry-ready skills, preparing her for assessments and training her to be work-ready after graduation.

Even though Chand is aware of gender imparity in the industry, she is treading towards breaking the glass ceiling and finishing her two-year programme with the hope to be an example not only for her son but to anyone looking to continue their education.

The Certificate IV in Automotive Engineering (Automotive Electrical & Electronics) course is offered through the University’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) stream.

Interested students and stakeholders can learn more by visiting https://www.fnu.ac.fj/tvet-pasifika/

For all details relating to Admission and Enrolment, please email: pritika.m@fnu.ac.fj

For all queries related to programmes, please email: rohitkkishore@gmail.com