53 Plumber General Class III graduates celebrated at NTPC in Suva
The Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) marked a milestone as 53 graduates earned the Plumber General Class III certification during a ceremony in Suva. The graduates come from a range of organisations, including Tropik Wood Industries Limited (one graduate), Fiji Airports (two graduates), and the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF), which recorded 50 graduates from its Nadi depot.
Certificates were presented by NTPC’s Trade Testing Officer, Mr. Richard Gaunavou, who congratulated the graduates and reminded them that “Education knows no age limit.” He stressed FNU and NTPC’s ongoing support for learners through technical, vocational, education, and training (TVET) programs designed to boost skills and opportunities.
Inspiring stories from the ceremony highlighted perseverance and inclusion. Breaking Barriers featured two women from WAF among the graduates. Lanieta Taka, a Service Technician who began as project staff in 2014, said: “Being a woman and achieving this qualification is a significant milestone for me. It has motivated me to pursue further certifications, including Class II and I courses.”
Lifelong Learning was represented by 55-year-old Etonia Qoro, who started as a labourer with the Public Works Department in 1987 and now holds a university-level qualification. “Despite my age, I now hold a university-level qualification; a dream achieved through dedication,” he noted.
Career Growth was underscored by Sowani Sito from Tropik Wood Industries, who had previously earned a Certificate in Plumbing and Sheetmetal in 2016. He stated, “This qualification will help me progress further in my career. Age is no barrier to learning.”
The graduation underscored NTPC’s commitment to delivering high-quality training that empowers Fijians across industries and generations, ensuring Fiji’s workforce is well-prepared for national development.
Context and broader trends in Fiji’s TVET landscape
– The ceremony sits within a broader national push to expand TVET and upskill the workforce, with other institutions reporting large cohorts and growing inclusivity in technical trades. For example, CATD Nadave has recently celebrated a sizeable cohort that included several young women, highlighting progress toward gender parity in trades traditionally dominated by men.
– Pacific Polytech has reported strong growth in Fiji’s technical education network, with hundreds of graduates across multiple campuses and programs. The institution has expanded to 13 campuses and training centers, serving thousands of students and graduates in recent years.
– TVET expansion is also evident at Nasinu Muslim College, where 31 students graduated with National Vocational Certificate Level 3 qualifications in Fashion, Manufacturing and Design, and Carpentry—the college’s first such graduating class—reflecting government and sector emphasis on practical skills and entrepreneurship.
Outlook
This event adds to a hopeful narrative about Fiji’s workforce development, demonstrating that adults of all ages and both genders are pursuing skilled trades and upgrading their qualifications. The emphasis on hands-on, job-ready training aligns with national development goals and the demand for skilled tradespeople in infrastructure, manufacturing, and public service sectors.
Summary
A 53-strong group of Plumber General Class III graduates celebrated at NTPC in Suva, led by remarks from trainer Richard Gaunavou, showcased how age, gender, and background do not limit the pursuit of skilled trades in Fiji. The ceremony reinforces the country’s commitment to TVET and workforce development as a driver of inclusive growth and national progress.
Editor’s note and potential follow-ups
– Consider profiling Lanieta Taka and Etonia Qoro in future pieces to highlight the diverse pathways TVET can open.
– Track the career progression of graduates like Sowani Sito to illustrate long-term benefits of continued training.
– Explore partnerships between industry and NTPC that expand opportunities for graduates into well-paying trades.
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