Fiji National University student Kavinesh Kishneet Raj.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) study programmes enable students to attain valuable skills and knowledge which boost their employability status as well as opens doors to become an entrepreneur.

Fiji National University (FNU) student Kavinesh Krishneet Raj believes the wide range of TVET programmes available at the University provides prospective students with an ideal opportunity to learn a trade that they are interested in.

He added the recent announcement by the Fijian Government to fund 5000 placements through Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) for TVET programmes at FNU provides an additional incentive for students to consider.

“I would like to acknowledge the government for recognising the need to assist students in this stream of studies and encourage students to take advantage of this incentive,” he said.

Raj, who has almost eight years of industry experience, aspired to upskill himself and attain a qualification, therefore, he enrolled in the programme Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) at FNU’s College of Engineering, Science, and Technology (CEST).

According to the Instrument/ Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician, the affordability and the delivery structure of TVET programmes has created opportunities for people to now attain a qualification and climb the ladder to higher education courses.

Raj also highlighted that one can learn valuable knowledge and skills and enter the workforce by completing short-duration courses.

“TVET programmes can be seen as a hope for many students who would not be able to cater for the fees to enter higher education courses directly. Programmes under this stream allow students to gain the necessary skills and a qualification, enter the workforce and continue their studies if they wish to.”

“On the other hand, it also assists those in the workforce to attain a formal qualification, which would complement their industry experience and make them more competitive in the job market.”

“I wanted to enhance my knowledge in the field of electrical engineering and this TVET programme was the answer to taking myself a step further in the industry. I am also very inquisitive about environmental sustainability with the use of renewable energy sources and this programme is a stepping stone to my plans in this area of studies.”

“The programme is designed in such a way that is it not super difficult to follow through what the lecturers teach – the balance between theory and practice makes it easier to cope.”

According to Raj, the most interesting aspect of the course offered by CEST is the planning and designing of projects.

“This is where you learn to make things not only for the industry but yourself as well. Last semester we designed and made a Bluetooth home automation system. Making apps for your phone is true happiness!”

Raj is looking forward to completing his studies and exploring the power generation and transmission aspects of this field.

Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) 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

High school students and those interested in learning more about the programmes, facilities and application requirements at FNU can register and participate in the Livestream sessions during the University’s Virtual Outreach Activities (VOA) by emailing outreach@fnu.ac.fj or call the Outreach team on 931 7582.