A call for an immediate review of the Apprenticeship Scheme was made yesterday by Hasmuk Lal, the former chief executive of the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) and current Group CEO for Oceania Education & Technology Solutions. Speaking at the launch of the Oceania Institute of Technology in Nadi, Lal criticized the previous administration’s decision to merge the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) with the Fiji National University (FNU), suggesting that it disrupted the educational framework.
As an advocate for enhanced tertiary education, Lal emphasized the need for the government to revisit the Apprenticeship Scheme, highlighting its critical link to the employer levy of 1 percent. He pointed out ongoing challenges related to the operational grant structure that is currently in place.
Lal proposed strengthening the Higher Education Commission of Fiji Act by establishing a Tertiary Teaching Grants Committee. This committee would comprise experts who would provide recommendations to both the Commission and the Government regarding funding allocations. He argued that, while the government has a role in creating educational institutions, it must also ensure they receive adequate operating grants based on predetermined annual amounts.
Moreover, he advocated for a competitive bidding process for public and private providers, focused on graduate employment rates and innovative approaches to address future job market demands. This approach aims to enhance transparency and restore taxpayer confidence in educational funding.
Lal also mentioned the establishment of the Fiji National Research Council, which was approved by the Cabinet last year, outlining that research grants for active universities should be funneled through this newly established council. By implementing these recommendations, Lal believes the education system can better respond to public concerns and foster a more efficient and effective educational landscape in Fiji.
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