Fiji is witnessing a significant push towards encouraging young people to pursue diverse career paths, particularly in light of the country’s increasing demand for skilled workers. Dr. Ganesh Chand, Chair of Pacific Polytech, emphasizes the need for families, especially parents, to fully support their daughters in entering traditionally male-dominated professions such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and mechanics. He argues that the emphasis should be on qualifications and skills, regardless of gender, and stresses the importance of shifting mindsets away from traditional beliefs.
Dr. Chand points out that change must initiate at home, urging parents to motivate their daughters to follow their career aspirations. “Change must start at home,” he asserts, highlighting the detrimental impact of parental beliefs that often prioritize office jobs for females over hands-on trades.
In tandem with these educational initiatives, Pacific Polytech is planning to expand its offerings to Vanua Levu, focusing on skill requirements aligned with the Na Vualiku Tourism Project. This includes collaborations with the government to secure land for new campuses in Labasa, Savusavu, and Taveuni. The institution is also actively developing digital programs to enhance accessibility to education and is inviting retirees with expertise to participate in the teaching workforce.
This aligns with recent efforts exemplified by the Career Fair organized in Suva, aimed at fostering discussions between parents and children about future careers. Assistant Minister Iliesa Vanawalu’s remarks during the event reinforced the importance of empowering students to realize their full potential and make valuable contributions to society. The fair marks a progressive shift in how students engage with potential careers, moving away from the traditional norm of staying at home during school breaks.
By bridging the gap between education and industry needs, as well as promoting open conversations around career aspirations, Fiji is poised to cultivate a workforce ready to meet modern challenges. The encouragement for young women to break into various fields not only increases the talent pool but also enriches the societal fabric by promoting gender equality across all professions.
Overall, these initiatives showcase a hopeful future where young Fijians are empowered to pursue their ambitions, supported by both educational institutions and their families, paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce in Fiji.
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