Fiji’s Bright Future: A $14 Million Investment in Skills Training

THE Wonderful Company, the parent entity of Fiji Water, has revealed plans to establish a $14 million technical career center in Fiji, targeting local workforce challenges including the ongoing shortage of skilled labor. This initiative was announced by Craig Cooper, the company’s executive vice president, during the recent 50th annual congress of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA).

Cooper underscored that the center aims to address the difficulty in sourcing adequately trained personnel for both the Fiji Water and Neptune Pacific businesses. He noted the increasing challenge posed by the outflux of skilled labor in recent years, which has hampered operations. The center will be developed in partnership with Fiji National University (FNU), incorporating world-class instructors and globally recognized certifications designed to better prepare Fijians for careers in the maritime and manufacturing sectors.

The financial investment will primarily go towards renovating the dedicated space at FNU and developing a curriculum that meets international standards in consultation with regulatory agencies. The center is set to function on a non-profit basis, with tuition structured to maintain affordability through additional sponsorship and partnerships.

Additionally, the initiative will not only cater to employees of Fiji Water and Neptune Pacific but will also be open to other local businesses seeking to train their workforce. By directly targeting the skills gap in critical industries, this project aims to enhance job readiness and offer substantial benefits to the local economy.

This current endeavor by The Wonderful Company resonates with earlier initiatives by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, aiming to boost skilled labor and address labor shortages in Fiji, particularly in maritime operations. This collaborative approach reflects a proactive response to economic development challenges, promising a brighter future for individuals in Fiji seeking meaningful employment.

Through investments in education and vocational training, there’s hope for building a more empowered workforce that can meet the demands of growing industries, ultimately leading to enhanced economic prospects for the region.