Pacific Polytech has announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Asco Motors to launch a strategic partnership aimed at boosting skills development and creating new training and employment pathways in Fiji’s automotive and technical sectors. The agreement focuses on three core areas: industry-aligned training programs, practical work placements for students, and strengthening the workforce to meet evolving market demands.
Under the MoU, Pacific Polytech and Asco Motors will:
– Collaborate on targeted, industry-relevant training programs
– Provide practical work placement opportunities for students
– Enhance workforce capabilities to align with changing industry needs
Pacific Polytech’s director, Peni Taoi, said the partnership highlights the importance of close industry collaboration to bridge the gap between education and employment, noting that it will open real-world opportunities for students and keep training standards in line with the sector’s requirements. Avinit Singh, Asco Motors’ general manager for People and Culture, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing local talent and investing in people to sustain Fiji’s future workforce, adding that the partnership will empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in automotive trades.
The signing took place at Asco Motors’ head office on Ratu Mara Road in Nabua, with Taoi, Singh, and Pacific Polytech’s manager for Training and Development, Avinash Chand, among the signatories.
This collaboration forms part of Pacific Polytech’s broader strategy of partnering with industry leaders to deliver practical, relevant education that benefits both students and employers. The move comes as Pacific Polytech continues to expand its national footprint and role in Fiji’s TVET landscape, including recent initiatives to open new training hubs in Lami, Sigatoka, and Nadi, and to develop specialized centers such as hospitality programs to meet rising demand in key sectors.
Context from previous coverage shows Pacific Polytech has been at the forefront of Fiji’s push to strengthen technical and vocational education. The institution has reported thousands of graduates and ongoing government and council partnerships aimed at expanding access to hands-on training across the country. This broader effort underscores TVET as a strategic pillar for addressing skills shortages, boosting employment, and supporting economic resilience.
Commentary and outlook: The partnership with Asco Motors reinforces Fiji’s emphasis on practical, industry-aligned training as a path to meaningful careers in automotive and related fields. If successful, it could serve as a model for deeper public-private collaboration that expands apprenticeship opportunities and strengthens local talent pipelines, helping to meet both current and future labor market demands.
Summary: The new MOU between Pacific Polytech and Asco Motors signals a positive step in Fiji’s ongoing TVET agenda, aiming to produce job-ready graduates through hands-on programs, work placements, and industry collaboration. The partnership aligns with broader national efforts to diversify the economy, expand technical training, and empower Fiji’s youth with skills that match industry needs.
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