Dr. Ganesh Chand, chairperson of Pacific Polytech, has raised alarm over the high level of unemployment among unskilled indigenous Fijians, estimating that around 80,000 individuals are currently without the necessary skills to secure employment. In a recent interview with The Fiji Times, he pointed out that while many jobs are being filled by immigrant workers, adequately trained locals could also fulfill these roles if given the opportunity for skills development.
Chand emphasized the stark reality faced by indigenous Fijians, stating, “The majority of Fijians are unemployed in Fiji.” He explained that despite some young people obtaining formal qualifications, this does not equate to possessing the practical skills required by employers. “Qualification is one thing, but skill is another,” he remarked, highlighting that many graduates remain unemployed due to this gap.
Moreover, he voiced concerns regarding the national focus on addressing the skills shortage, questioning if there are efforts being made within Fiji to tackle these issues effectively. His comments also come at a time when the government has allocated $7 million to Pacific Polytech in the 2025-2026 National Budget—a figure that has sparked debate over the company’s funding and the quality of qualifications being issued.
Businessman Semi Tukana has publicly criticized the allocation, suggesting that a significant portion of taxpayer money is being directed towards what he describes as “very low-quality qualifications.” This criticism reflects ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of skill development programs in Fiji.
Chand’s remarks resonate with previous assertions he has made regarding the need for substantial investment in skill training—he has noted that Fiji requires upwards of $104 million annually to adequately train its workforce, yet current investments fall significantly short of this amount. In an earlier presentation, he noted that only a fraction of the necessary funding is directed towards skill development.
As Fiji contends with these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of vocational training and skill enhancement as crucial tools for economic resilience and personal empowerment. If the government and stakeholders can unite to enhance skill development efforts, it could lead to improved employment prospects for young Fijians and contribute positively to the nation’s overall economic growth.
Overall, it’s a pivotal moment for Fiji to embrace change in its education and workforce landscape. With a commitment to reshaping educational frameworks, there is hope that the focus on practical skills will empower individuals and ultimately drive the country towards a more prosperous future.
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