A new career centre is being proposed in Fiji to address the pressing labour shortage in the country. This initiative, spearheaded by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water, aims to emulate a successful model established in California, as explained by Marigold Moody, assistant general counsel for the South Pacific.
During her address at the Top Executives Conference 2024 held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Ms. Moody emphasized that this special project represents a significant investment in Fiji’s workforce development through skills enhancement.
She noted, “One of these special projects is our proposed Career Centre, which focuses on building a skilled workforce in Fiji.” Currently, the company operates around 11 vessels across the Pacific, but Ms. Moody pointed out that there is a notable shortage of skilled Pacific Island seafarers needed to manage these operations.
FIJI Water has already invested over FJ$140 million in expanding its facilities, with plans to use this increased capacity in the coming decade. “With this growth, we anticipate needing many more skilled individuals,” she said, highlighting the importance of the future Career Centre.
There are plans to collaborate with Fiji National University to establish this centre in Suva, targeting an opening in 2025. Although Ms. Moody acknowledged that timelines may vary, she expressed confidence in the initiative and the training programs already established in California, which focus on preparing individuals for job readiness.
This project is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by tailoring training programs to meet the specific needs of local businesses, ensuring that graduates are adequately prepared for the job market.
Furthermore, Ms. Moody indicated that the initiative will also extend invitations to other members of the manufacturing and marine industries to participate through an industry council, thereby broadening the scope and impact of the career centre.
In summary, this initiative represents a promising development for Fiji’s workforce, aiming not only to alleviate the skills gap but also to enhance economic growth and sustainability in the region. With a collaborative approach and focused training programs, the career centre could significantly uplift the employability and skill set of the local population, paving the way for a stronger future for Fiji’s economy.
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