Employers in Fiji are currently confronting a significant hurdle with the loss of up to 15 percent of the country’s skilled and semi-skilled workforce this year. Vinay Narsey, president of the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation, highlighted this issue during his welcoming speech at the Top Executive Conference 2024 held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. He noted that replacing the departed workers has proven challenging due to a growing skills gap that stems from a misalignment between the needs of the industry and the outputs of the education system.
Narsey emphasized the importance of addressing these pressing challenges while striving to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. He pointed out that many educational institutions do not prepare graduates for the job market, compelling businesses to invest heavily in training and innovation programs.
To effectively bridge the skills gap, Narsey called for a collaborative effort among industries, educational institutions, and policymakers. He mentioned national strategies, such as the National Development Plan for 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, which aim to address ongoing skills shortages. However, he stressed that these policies need immediate and active engagement from the private sector to be successful.
Narsey also highlighted the necessity of having timely and accurate data to understand the evolving economic landscape, which is essential for informed decision-making. Addressing this gap is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation, ultimately promoting sustainable growth in Fiji’s economy.
The conference has attracted over 400 delegates from more than 200 organizations, illustrating a collective interest in finding solutions to these workforce challenges.
It is encouraging to see such a collaborative approach being pursued to tackle the skills gap, which not only improves employability for graduates but also strengthens the economy. By aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, Fiji has the potential to foster a robust workforce that benefits both employers and employees alike.
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