The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has voiced concerns regarding the future of Fiji’s workforce, highlighting critical issues such as the alarming student failure rate and the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the working population. Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of the year eight students failed their examinations this year, while a staggering 64% of the deaths attributed to NCDs occur within the working-age group.
Edward Bernard, Chief Executive of FCEF, expressed deep concern over these trends, stating that the combination of academic struggles and health challenges among young people threatens the availability and productivity of the future labor market. He emphasized that tertiary institutions rely on students who possess basic literacy and numeracy skills, which are essential for advanced education and vocational training.
The lack of these fundamental skills poses significant challenges, not only for tertiary education access but also for students aspiring to start their own businesses. Bernard pointed out that entrepreneurship requires a distinct set of skills, especially in a challenging economic environment marked by high operational costs.
To address these issues, Bernard stressed the urgent need for the education system to enhance its teaching methods and reconsider the current “no repeat” policy to better support students’ academic journeys. He also underscored the importance of investing in preventative healthcare, as relying solely on curative measures is insufficient for fostering a healthy workforce.
The FCEF is actively seeking partnerships with government agencies and development organizations to implement programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among workers, which could ultimately improve productivity and overall well-being.
In summary, the FCEF’s findings present a comprehensive look at the challenges facing Fiji’s workforce, linking education and health as critical components. Through collaborative efforts and proactive measures, there is a hopeful potential for improvement, paving the way for a stronger, healthier labor force in the future.
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