A new career center is being proposed to address the labor shortages in the country. This initiative, which comes from Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water, aims to replicate a successful model implemented in California, according to Marigold Moody, the South Pacific’s assistant general counsel.
During her address at the Top Executives Conference 2024 (TO PEX2024) held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Ms. Moody highlighted that this project represents a significant investment in Fiji’s future workforce. She elaborated on her responsibilities regarding special projects, explaining that the proposed career center is designed to enhance skills development among the local workforce.
With 11 vessels operating across the Pacific, Moody noted a crucial challenge: a shortage of skilled seafarers in the region. FIJI Water has invested over FJ$140 million to expand capacity by approximately 47%, and over the next decade, the company plans to further utilize this capacity, necessitating a larger workforce.
In collaboration with Fiji National University, there are plans to establish the career center in Suva, with hopes to be operational by 2025. Ms. Moody acknowledged the potential delays but emphasized the commitment to career training that facilitates upward mobility. This is a cornerstone of their ongoing efforts in California, where an educational team supports their workforce and creates a skills pipeline for both their operations and partner businesses.
Ms. Moody stressed the importance of training individuals to be job-ready, noting a gap in existing programs that typically do not address direct employer needs. The career center’s curriculum will align with the demands of businesses to ensure a smooth transition for graduates into the workforce. Furthermore, the initiative will seek collaboration from other members of the manufacturing and marine industries through an industry council.
This initiative could herald a positive transformation for Fiji’s labor market, providing a structured approach to workforce development and filling necessary skill gaps while enhancing local employment opportunities. By fostering such initiatives, businesses can uplift the community and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.
In summary, the establishment of a career center in Fiji aims to bridge the skills gap in the labor market, focusing on training individuals to meet the specific demands of employers in the maritime and manufacturing sectors. The initiative underscores a significant investment in enhancing the local workforce and creating a pathway to sustainable employment.
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