A new career center has been proposed in Fiji to address the ongoing labor shortage within the country. This initiative, spearheaded by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water, aims to replicate a successful model already in place in California. Marigold Moody, the assistant general counsel for the South Pacific region, highlighted the significance of this project during her address at the Top Executives Conference 2024 (TO PEX2024) held at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau.
Moody emphasized that this career center represents a vital investment in Fiji’s workforce and includes a focus on skills development. She explained that her role involves managing special projects that support the company’s operations in Fiji, including this latest initiative. Currently, the company operates approximately 11 vessels across the Pacific, but Moody noted that there is a critical shortage of suitably skilled Pacific Island seafarers available to operate these vessels.
With FIJI Water having invested over FJ$140 million in expanding its production capacity by approximately 47%, the company anticipates needing significantly more personnel over the next decade. The career center is planned for Suva, in collaboration with Fiji National University, with a target launch in 2025.
Moody pointed out that the career center will not only focus on skills training but will be tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses, ensuring that program participants are job-ready upon completion. The approach also involves seeking participation from other sectors within the manufacturing and marine industries through the establishment of an industry council.
This project holds great promise for not only addressing the skills gap but also strengthening the local economy by providing job training tailored to industry needs. By investing in the future of Fiji’s workforce, it is expected to foster upward mobility and eventually invigorate both local businesses and the broader economy.
Overall, this initiative shines a hopeful light on the possibilities of enhancing skill sets within Fiji, creating a pathway for employment that could lead to more sustainable growth in the country’s labor market.
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