A new career center is set to be established in an effort to address the labour shortage in Fiji, according to Marigold Moody, the assistant general counsel for South Pacific at Natural Waters of Viti Pte Limited, the company behind FIJI Water. During her speech at the Top Executives Conference 2024 held at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Moody highlighted that this initiative will replicate a successful model used in California and represents a significant investment in Fiji’s future workforce.
Moody elaborated on the importance of this career center, emphasizing the need for training programs that equip workers with the skills necessary for employment. As part of this effort, FIJI Water plans to collaborate with Fiji National University to establish the center in Suva, with hopes to achieve this by 2025.
With FIJI Water’s substantial investment exceeding FJ$140 million to expand operational capacity, the company anticipates needing a larger pool of skilled workers to fulfill its growing demands in the next decade. Moody acknowledged a severe skills shortage, particularly among Pacific Island seafarers, highlighting a crucial gap that the career center aims to bridge.
The proposed curriculum for the training programs will be tailored to align with employer requirements, with Moody encouraging collaboration among other businesses in the manufacturing and marine sectors to enhance the program’s relevance and impact. The ultimate goal is to create a robust pipeline of qualified candidates ready to meet the needs of local industries.
This initiative not only provides a beacon of hope for the job market in Fiji but also signifies a proactive step towards building a stronger and more skilled workforce that can drive economic growth in the region.
In summary, the proposed career center by FIJI Water represents a committed effort to enhance workforce development in Fiji, addressing the existing skills gap and paving the way for future economic opportunities. By focusing on job readiness and collaborating with educational institutions and industry partners, this initiative stands to make a meaningful impact on the local economy.
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