Being creative and good at working with his hands, Peni Seveikau Yaravu aspired to become a tradesman. The twenty-one-year-old did not think twice and enrolled for short courses in Cabinet Making and Joinery offered at Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre this year.

Yaravu said pursuing a blue-collar career offers flexibility, an opportunity to learn new skills and a pathway to a successful career.

“If you are a hands-on person and prefer to work and be creative, then a trade job is one of the most interesting job prospects,” Yaravu said.

“However, this does not mean that once you finish your training, then you are the best. You will learn new ideas and techniques every day in the trade field, whether operating different types of machines or learning new methods to get the work done.”

“One should always be ready to learn the new things that this trade offers you. The ladder to success is not around the corner, but involves many years of mastering trade skills,” he said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to adapt to a new normal, Yaravu adapts to his new normal while working at a construction company. He continues to gain much-needed experience in his field of work, following all the COVID-19 measures and safety precautions.

“This is a fascinating and exciting line of work because it requires your skills and art to build perfect cabinets and joinery work,” he shared.

“The majority of people are going through hard times after the second wave of COVID-19 where many are staying home because of the closure of universities, schools and workplaces. But one should always keep themselves busy. I am trying to master the skills by working at Trinity Construction Company constructing a house in our area.”

Yaravu said he wants to support his father who works for Fiji Corrections Service and is the sole breadwinner in the family. He strongly believes that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses are an important area for individuals to pursue their careers, and the programme also ensures one has a bright future.

“My father is turning 55 this year, so I am trying my best to work hard to give a better future to my parents and my siblings,” he said.

“Over the next few years, I want to explore and develop my skills in project management and gain experience leading projects for major clients, as well as look for opportunities to expand my responsibilities within this role, work towards my goal and relocate overseas.”

NTPC’s Cabinet Making and Joinery programme offer students an opportunity to become skilled tradesmen leading to rewarding career prospects in the building and construction industry as well as an opportunity of becoming entrepreneurs.

Interested students and stakeholders can learn more about FNU’s TVET courses 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