A career center aimed at addressing the labor shortage in Fiji has been proposed by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water. Marigold Moody, assistant general counsel for the South Pacific, discussed this initiative during the Top Executives Conference 2024 held at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. She emphasized that the project represents a significant investment in the Fijian workforce.
Moody noted that the career center would be modeled after one in California, with the aim of enhancing skills development in Fiji. She indicated that there is a noticeable shortage of skilled Pacific Island seafarers who can operate their vessels effectively. The company has already invested over FJ$140 million to increase its operational capacity by approximately 47%. With plans to ramp up operations over the next decade, the need for a larger workforce becomes increasingly urgent.
The partnership with Fiji National University is expected to facilitate the establishment of the career center in Suva by 2025. The organization aims to incorporate career training and opportunities for advancement, drawing on experiences and educational resources from their California operations to create a robust skills pipeline.
Moody highlighted the necessity of aligning educational programs with the actual needs of businesses, noting that this initiative would involve collaboration with other sectors in manufacturing and marine industries through an industry council. This collaborative effort could foster a stronger alignment between education and employment, ultimately benefitting both employers and job seekers in Fiji.
In summary, the initiative by FIJI Water symbolizes a proactive approach to workforce development in Fiji, focusing on skill readiness and industry partnerships. By addressing the gap between education and employment, this career center could pave the way for increased job opportunities and a more skilled labor force in the region. The hopeful outlook is that with such investments in training and skills development, Fiji’s economy can evolve and thrive in the coming years.
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