Watesoni Nata Jr, a businessman from Suva and the chairman of the MSME Council within the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), has emphasized the urgent need for educational reform to address the skills shortage in Fiji. During the Pacific Polytech panel discussions on skills shortages held in Suva last week, Nata pointed out that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) employ 60 percent of the country’s workforce and significantly contribute to its GDP, making the issue of skills mismatches critically important.
Nata commented on the slow pace of reforms by the Ministry of Education, asserting that the current measures have not adequately addressed the skills gap affecting MSMEs. He referenced historical challenges with skill mismatches and the absence of essential soft skills within educational curricula, stating, “We should not ignore the skills challenges we have.”
He expressed frustration that discussions regarding educational reform have been ongoing for over two decades, indicating a disconnect between the education system and industry needs. Nata called for a comprehensive educational system that aligns with the requirements of various industries, from primary education to tertiary institutions, along with increased collaboration between educational institutions and MSMEs.
Furthermore, he underscored the necessity for enhanced training facilities and curricula that focus on providing students with the practical skills that employers seek. Nata added that it is crucial to address these challenges at their roots, advocating for an education system that produces industry-ready graduates.
In addition to enhancing local training programs, he proposed considering labor sources from the broader Pacific region and developing better integration strategies to incorporate returning Fijians to fill the prevailing skills gap and support the growth of MSMEs.