A new career center is being proposed in Fiji to address the country’s labor shortage, an initiative led by Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the producers of FIJI Water. Marigold Moody, assistant general counsel for the South Pacific, shared insights about this initiative during the Top Executives Conference 2024 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau.
Moody emphasized that this career center will be modeled after a similar project in California and is seen as a significant investment in Fiji’s workforce, focusing on skills development. “I handle various special projects that support our operations in Fiji,” she explained, highlighting the need for skilled personnel, particularly in the maritime sector, where there exists a shortage of qualified Pacific Island seafarers.
FIJI Water has invested over FJ$140 million to expand its operational capacity by 47% and is poised to utilize this increased capacity over the next decade. As such, Moody noted, the need for a trained workforce is growing. The proposed career center, which is set to collaborate with Fiji National University, aims to open in 2025.
The program’s structure will focus on making individuals job-ready by tailoring training to meet the needs of employers. Moody pointed out the importance of such alignment, stating that the center will be designed with input from businesses to ensure the curriculum meets industry demands.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to involve other entities from the manufacturing and marine sectors through the formation of an industry council, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at addressing skill gaps in the workforce.
This endeavor not only presents an opportunity for growth within the local labor market but also contributes to the sustainability of Fiji’s economy by nurturing a skilled workforce, capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
In summary, the establishment of the career center signifies an important step towards enhancing Fiji’s labor capabilities and supporting economic development through targeted skill training and industry cooperation. This provides a hopeful outlook for job seekers in Fiji, presenting new opportunities for career advancement and economic participation.
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