Datec Fiji, a leading ICT solutions provider, is set to enhance its training academy in Suva with the goal of strengthening the nation’s digital outsourcing workforce. This development is backed by an $80,000 grant from the Australian government’s Market Development Facility (MDF), aiming to provide accredited training in highly sought-after fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital systems.
As outsourcing firms increasingly pursue higher-value Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) and Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) contracts, these upgraded training programs are designed to meet the growing demand. The academy plans to accommodate over 100 participants each year, with accreditation from the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC). This will allow students to utilize funding options available through the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS).
Vinit Nand, the chief executive officer of Datec Fiji, emphasized the importance of building a future-ready workforce. He stated that the initiative aims to invest in individuals, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, empowering them to thrive in substantial digital careers and bolstering Fiji’s profile as a competitive outsourcing destination and ICT hub. “The whole idea is about creating jobs, getting students work-ready and ensuring that we have sufficient skilled people in the ICT sector,” Nand explained in a recent interview.
MDF’s assistance will enable Datec to develop a tailored curriculum in line with KPO/ITO industry standards and recruit a master trainer to oversee a training-of-trainers program for local instructors. This partnership will also help Datec meet FHEC standards for accessibility and invest in infrastructure and technology that support inclusive training programs for individuals with disabilities.
MDF country director, Kelera Cavuilati, remarked that the partnership exemplifies the collaborative vision of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, which seeks to cultivate a workforce equipped with relevant skills for today’s digital economy. She noted the outsourcing sector’s contribution of over $200 million annually and its employment of more than 8,000 individuals, stressing that sustaining this growth hinges on addressing the skills gap in specialized KPO and ITO roles.
Cavuilati highlighted the importance of aligning educational offerings with industry demands, stating, “This partnership tackles that challenge head-on. It creates pathways for Fijians to gain industry-relevant training in BPO, KPO, and ICT, complementing government initiatives under the National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 2050.”
Furthermore, she indicated ongoing efforts with the National Council for People with Disabilities to ensure access to opportunities in the digital economy for all. The MDF’s mission is centered on job creation and unlocking opportunities that positively impact businesses and households, initiatives that began with their collaboration with Datec.
Josefa Wivou, executive director of Outsource Fiji, acknowledged the industry’s substantial growth over the past five years. However, he pointed out that the shortage of skilled talent poses a significant challenge to maintaining this momentum. Supporting this initiative, Datec is investing approximately $250,000 to develop the necessary infrastructure that will support the academy’s training programs.
Through this significant investment and the collaborative efforts with MDF, Datec Fiji is paving the way for a robust future workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of the evolving digital landscape, ultimately enhancing Fiji’s standing in the global IT outsourcing sector.
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