The Oceania Institute of Technology (OIT) is set to officially inaugurate on January 24, 2024, showcasing a unique training model that aims to address the gap between graduate qualifications and industry requirements. CEO Hasmukh Lal emphasized the institute’s commitment to a “German model” of education, where the private sector plays a crucial role in the educational framework.
Lal explained that the innovative approach will integrate theoretical learning at the institute with practical training directly conducted at employers’ sites. This collaboration allows for employers to contribute to the curriculum and assessment processes, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their careers without the need for extensive retraining.
“This method will alleviate the challenges of quality and relevance that we currently experience in Fiji’s workforce,” Lal remarked, highlighting the initiative’s goal of better aligning educational outcomes with industry needs.
During the official opening in January, OIT plans to announce several partnerships with industry stakeholders that will provide direct work placements for graduates, further enhancing their job readiness.
In a recent achievement, OIT reported an impressive 99 percent completion rate for its inaugural cohort of 242 students, who graduated on December 19. Lal noted that this high retention rate can be attributed to the engaging and practical nature of the curriculum, which deviates from traditional lecture-based formats. Most of the graduating class hailed from Narewa Village, facilitated by a community-focused recruitment strategy that collaborated with local leaders to identify and enroll unemployed youths and adults.
OIT’s progressive approach to education and strong community ties position it as a promising institution that could significantly contribute to improving the skill set of the Fijian workforce and meet the evolving needs of various industries.
Leave a comment