A new career center has been proposed in Fiji as part of an initiative by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water. During the Top Executives Conference 2024 (TO PEX2024) held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, South Pacific’s assistant general counsel, Marigold Moody, announced that the center will be modeled after a similar program in California. The project aims to address the labor shortage in the country and enhance the skills of the Fijian workforce.
Moody described this initiative as a significant investment in Fiji, focusing on skills development to fill the gaps in the labor market. As the owner of FIJI Water and NPDL Neptune businesses, the company operates around 11 vessels in the Pacific. Moody highlighted the urgent need for skilled Pacific Island seafarers to operate these vessels.
With a prior investment exceeding FJ$140 million to expand its operational capacity by about 47%, the company anticipates needing a larger workforce over the next decade. The proposed career center, which is set to partner with Fiji National University and aims to launch in 2025, will focus on providing training that aligns with the job market’s demands.
Moody emphasized that a significant challenge is bridging the gap between education and employability, mentioning that their team of education specialists will design a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of various industries. The career center plans to invite other members of the manufacturing and marine sectors to participate via an industry council, promoting collaboration to build a skilled workforce.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards addressing workforce challenges in Fiji while also providing valuable training opportunities for local residents. By fostering partnerships between educational institutions and businesses, it aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for the future.
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