A national taskforce has been established to tackle the increasing disconnect between academic qualifications and workforce needs in Fiji, as indicated by recent discussions held by the Ministry of Trade. The meeting, attended by various stakeholders, highlighted the urgent need for data-driven educational and labor market reforms to address the widening skills gap in the country.
Private sector representatives expressed serious concerns regarding the readiness of graduates for employment, revealing outdated curricula in educational institutions and a declining focus on vocational training and apprenticeship programs. A representative from the telecommunications industry noted that students are trained on older technologies, such as 2G, while the industry has progressed to 5G, necessitating retraining before these individuals can be employed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, acknowledged significant investments in key sectors like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and infrastructure. However, he emphasized a critical shortage of skilled human capital to sustain this growth. Steve Chand from the Fiji Higher Education Commission pointed out that over 5,000 qualified caregivers currently lack meaningful employment pathways, marking a waste of resources equivalent to $15 million spent by families.
To address these challenges, participants suggested leveraging entities like the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Fiji National Provident Fund, and the Bureau of Statistics to create a national Labor Market Intelligence System. This would provide essential real-time data for educators and policymakers, enabling more informed decision-making when it comes to aligning educational outcomes with market demands.
Kamikamica expressed a commitment to reinvigorating apprenticeship programs and restoring a training levy to bolster employer-led workforce initiatives. He marked the establishment of the taskforce as a new direction for more collaborative and industry-informed discussions regarding Fiji’s education system, urging for a system that prepares graduates for future employment, not just today’s.
The article reflects ongoing national discussions about educational reform in Fiji, echoing previous calls from educational leaders and businesses. Last year, Fiji National University officials indicated plans to train nearly 100,000 people through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs by 2027, underscoring the commitment to bridge the skills gap that has emerged due to many factors, including high rates of migration.
As Fiji grapples with these challenges, there is hope that a renewed focus on modifying educational frameworks can significantly enhance employability and bolster the economy in the long run. By encouraging systemic changes and collaborative efforts among various sectors, Fiji can work toward creating a skilled workforce that meets both current and future industry needs, creating a more prosperous future.
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