Fiji is witnessing a significant outflow of skilled workers, with an estimated 3 percent of its population permanently relocating to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada for better job opportunities. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro disclosed this concerning trend during discussions with Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian and officials from the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), including chairperson Ro Teimumu Kepa and CEO Hasmukh Lal.
In response to the challenges posed by this brain drain, Mr. Radrodro initiated talks with China to explore funding for vocational scholarships aimed at bridging the nation’s growing skills gap through enhanced technical and vocational education and training (TVET). TVET already accounts for 64 percent of jobs in Fiji, according to data from the 2019 Bureau of Statistics, yet local educational institutions are struggling to keep up with the evolving demands of technology and industry.
Recognizing China’s expertise in technology-driven TVET, Mr. Radrodro expressed hope that the Chinese government would provide funding for scholarships in various fields, including renewable energy engineering, plant engineering, automotive electronics, telecommunications, aquaculture, and agricultural engineering. The proposal suggests sending 50 students annually for three years, with TSLS overseeing the selection process to ensure that graduates return to contribute to Fiji’s workforce.
Ambassador Zhou expressed optimism about the proposal, indicating that if approved, TSLS would work closely with chosen Chinese training institutions. A potential visit to assess these institutions for suitability is also being considered. This initiative is expected to be included in Fiji’s national budget for 2025-2026 as part of a new scholarship scheme supported by China.
This collaborative approach reflects a proactive step toward addressing the critical skills shortage in Fiji while fostering international partnerships. With a focus on vocational training, there is hope for regeneration and sustainable development of the local workforce, which could ultimately contribute to the nation’s economic resilience.
In summary, Fiji’s efforts to secure vocational scholarships from China could lead to enhanced job training and retention of skilled professionals, addressing the challenges posed by the outflow of workers and contributing positively to the nation’s development goals.
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