National Apprenticeship Scheme – The National Apprenticeship Scheme was introduced in 1963 under the Ministry of Labour and known as the Fiji Apprenticeship Council. In 1974, the responsibility was passed to Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (then Fiji National Training Council) for expansion. Transformation of FNTC to TPAF was carried out in 2003, the National Apprenticeship Training Department was passed on to the National Standards and Accreditation Council.
The role of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is regulated and administered by the National Training & Productivity Centre through the support from the Industries to address the skills required and to produce competent and certified work force for the organisations. The objective of the scheme is to develop a more skilful Fijian workforce that delivers long term benefits for our nation and for international competitiveness.
The Scheme is a tripartite agreement between the apprentice, employer and NTPC, and the apprentices are monitored and trained by a competent personnel from the industry for a duration of three to four years. It allows the individual (apprentice) to be paid as employees while they learn on the job, and simultaneously studying for academic awards on a part time basis at the University.
Apprenticeship Scheme is one of the most significant skills development programme in Fiji, and its contribution towards the national growth has been invaluable. To date there have been 8,773 graduates under the National Apprentice Scheme.
The Apprenticeship Scheme is an investment for employers to develop a robust pool of qualified talent ultimately investing in business success. When companies have ready access to potential employees who possess the specialized skills necessary to succeed, they gain the ability to develop a workforce that will drive enhanced productivity, reliability, safety and quality.
National Trade Testing Scheme – As an authority responsible for skills certification, the NTTD fulfils a number of tasks enabling workers in Fiji to obtain certification for their skills. Whilst operating under the Trade Testing Regulations (1976) of the Training and Productivity Authority Act (formerly the Fiji National Training Act), the NTTD:
There are three levels of testing under the scheme (as required by the 1976 Fiji National Trade Testing Regulation). These are:
There are no minimal educational requirements for candidates, which means that candidates having some or no formal training are entitled to demonstrate their level of skill against the established standards, provided they have the necessary trade or industry experience and knowledge in discipline.
The scheme offers skills assessment and certification in 29 various trades, and it is highly recognized nationally. Over 30000 people have taken the opportunity to get themselves assessed and we encourage other tradespeople to take up this opportunity. The minimum wage rate for the three levels is regulated by the National Minimum Wage Regulations Orders 2022 (under Building, Civil and Electrical Engineering Sectorial Regulations).