Fiji National University (FNU) is proud to announce the inclusion of two new all-girls schools in its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) making a significant step in empowering young women through technical education. This expansion aims to provide female students with industry-relevant skills in field such as engineering equipping them for successful careers in traditionally male-dominated industries. The two all-girls schools, Saint Joseph Secondary School and Ballantine Memorial Secondary School have joined the College of Engineering, Technical, Vocational, and Training (CETVET) for the second week’s session of the TVET First programme at Derrick campus in Samabula, on Friday, 15 March. This initiative, which takes place on every Friday at Derrick campus, aims to reshape perceptions about TVET and inspire students, particularly females, to consider careers in this growing sector.
The TVET First programme, launched on Friday, 7 March, initially started with participation from DAV Girls College, Adi Cakobau School (ACS), and Marist Brothers High School. With the inclusion of the two new schools, participation has surged from 300 to a remarkable 600 students, reflecting a growing interest in vocational education.
Salabogi Mavoa, Dean for CETVET said by showcasing promising career opportunities in vocational fields such as transport and engineering, FNU aims to encourage students to view these pathways as first choices. “I believe the TVET First programme is making a big impact, and I hope that students gain valuable hands-on experience at CETVET,” Mavoa said on the newly added schools.
Mavoa said the programme is designed to challenge the traditional view that TVET is a secondary option, particularly for women. “Through this initiative, we hope to see students choose TVET as their primary option,” added Mavoa.
The focus on female involvement has notably transformed with the engagement of female schools, aiming to shift the gender dynamics historically seen in vocational education. Mavoa noted that the proportion of female participants has drastically changed. “In the past years, we had a participation rate of roughly 20 percent for females. With a change in mindset among teachers, parents, and students, female schools are actively engaging with the programme.”
Sofaia Tawake, Ballantine Memorial Secondary School Year 11 coordinator, reflected on the empowerment and opportunities provided by the TVET First programme. “Our students are now better equipped to understand their career choices and recognise that jobs often dominated by males can also be pursued by females. The programme empowers our young girls,” Tawake expressed the students’ enthusiasm of receiving hands-on experience.
FNU’s CETVET boasts 27 workshops across four schools, namely the School of Transport, School of Building and Civil Engineering, School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and
School of Mechanical Engineering. These workshops offer industry-relevant training and hands-on experiences to ensure students are well-prepared for high-demand sectors.
The TVET First programme not only facilitates practical learning but also aims to enhance the confidence of young female students. As awareness of this programme spreads, FNU continues to lead the way in shaping the future workforce of Fiji by bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
The workshop programme will be held every Friday for the next 23 weeks.
It is set to expand to include Maritime Studies, Hospitality, and Tourism programmes, available at other Colleges/Centres under FNU.
The FNU TVET has already seen significant success, with many graduates securing jobs in various industries. By promoting gender inclusivity in vocational training, FNU reaffirms its commitment to creating equal opportunities for all Fijian in the workforce.
For more information on the FNU TVET programme, please visit http://www.fnu.ac.fj
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