FNU’s Trade Diploma in Applied Fisheries graduates will be competent in areas such as aquaculture, offshore and inshore fisheries and fishing technology,

Technical and vocational training in trade programmes is the starting point for graduates to enter the workforce which offers a variety of rewarding career pathways, says Fiji National University academic Regina Singh.

Singh is an Assistant Instructor of the Trade Diploma in Applied Fisheries at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) and said the hands-on learning in a specific field through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) attained at FNU lays a firm foundation for students to pursue their dream job.

“Trade is usually the starting point of the bigger career opportunities for our students. Fresh graduates enter the workforce with the right training and then gain the much-needed knowledge and experience to progress in their careers,” Singh said.

“For example, the majority of garage shop owners were once students who attended technical centres. Trade is very important since it is a hands-on practical task that allows you to work with your hands and thus gain more experience. So over the years, they progressed in the careers and today are successful entrepreneurs.”

Singh said the College ensured its teaching and learning delivery of TVET courses were relevant and addressed industry needs and experience.

“We review our programme document every three to four years to ensure it addresses what the industry needs or even specific requirements within pockets of that industry.”

“Usually, we have discussions with our stakeholders, and they give us constructive feedback after extensively reviewing our course resources.”

She highlighted that at FNU, students undertaking TVET courses at Certificate and Diploma level had the opportunity to upskill their qualifications as they wished.

“Currently I have students who started with the Certificate III in Commercial Agriculture course and then completed Trade Diploma in Applied Fisheries and Aquaculture and are now completing their Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree.”

“These students are very well versed with the syllabus having gone through the various course levels.”

TVET is instrumental in a person’s career as this is one of the first steps of capacity building, Singh said.

“I encourage students to utilise the skills they have and turn it into qualifications that they can use towards their employment opportunities.”

“TVET is also a way of moving our country forward.”

FNU is a dual-sector university that provides vocational education and training and higher education programmes in Fiji and the Pacific region. Enrolment for Semester 1, 2021 is now underway.

For further details, visit the FNU website: www.fnu.ac.fj or contact the following staff:
Nasinu Campus: Riteshni Singh at Division of Marketing and Communications. | Email: sopo@fnu.ac.fj
Natabua Campus: Saleshni Chaudhary at Academic Office | Email: meofficer@fnu.ac.fj
Labasa Campus: Pardeep Lal at Admin Office | Email: hcl@fnu.ac.fj