Job readiness remains a significant hurdle for recent graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as they transition into the workforce. This has led to calls for a comprehensive review of educational systems and strategies in response to the concerns raised by both educators and employers.
Dr. Isimeli Tagicakiverata, Pro Vice Chancellor of Fiji National University (FNU), underscored during a recent forum in Labasa that employers play a crucial role in helping new graduates acquire the practical skills necessary to navigate their work environments. He pointed out that expectations from some employers for graduates to be “job-ready” from day one are unrealistic. “We hope that employers give time for people to adapt to the new system, the new work environment, and some kind of mentoring and work guidance,” Tagicakiverata stated, emphasizing the importance of support for recent hires.
In conjunction with these insights, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba stressed FNU’s commitment to continuously review and enhance training programs alongside community and industry needs. She mentioned the need for collaboration between educational institutions and local industries to better prepare students for their professional lives and ensure that the curricula are aligned with market needs.
This call for collaboration echoes sentiments expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who highlighted the importance of equipping the workforce with relevant skills through initiatives that support small and medium enterprises in Fiji. Additionally, newly-appointed Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu raised flags about the education system’s role in either preparing youths for the job market or setting them up for failure.
The emphasis on collaboration and practical training is crucial in light of challenges such as a significant loss of skilled workers and a pervasive skills gap within various sectors of Fiji’s economy. As FNU continues to forge partnerships with communities and local industries, the hope is to create an education system that effectively produces competent graduates who can thrive in a competitive job market.
With ongoing initiatives focused on educational reform and community engagement, there is a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s youth, as these efforts not only aim to enhance employability but also pave the way for sustainable economic growth and societal well-being. By aligning educational outcomes with industry demands, Fiji stands to develop a robust workforce that contributes positively to its future.
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