The Coalition Government is pressing ahead with technical and vocational education and training TVET in Fiji, with Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka underscoring the move as essential to closing skill gaps across tourism and other key sectors. Speaking at the opening of Pacific Polytech’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies Centre in Sigatoka, Gavoka, who also serves as Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, said a proactive, coordinated approach is needed to bridge these gaps.
The new centre is positioned as a tangible step in a broader development agenda centered on resilience, service excellence, youth empowerment and economic diversification. Gavoka emphasized that government backing for Pacific Polytech reflects a strategic partnership aimed not only at infrastructure but at shaping Fiji’s future workforce and the long-term vitality of its tourism industry. He praised the Pacific Polytech board and management for leadership and vision, noting that public-private collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when shared outcomes drive progress.
Context from related reporting highlights the rapid growth and impact of Pacific Polytech as a leading engine of Fiji’s TVET push. Reports have cited thousands of graduates since the institution’s inception, with expansions into maritime regions and multiple training hubs planned or under development. Government officials have repeatedly framed TVET as a strategic solution to unemployment, skills mismatches and poverty, reinforcing the view that practical, industry-aligned training is key to empowering youth and sustaining economic resilience.
What this means for Fiji
– A strong signal of continued government investment in TVET as a cornerstone of economic diversification and youth empowerment.
– Recognition that improving hospitality, tourism and other trades requires close collaboration between government, institutions and industry partners.
– A view that centres like Pacific Polytech can serve as hubs for upskilling in regional communities, including Sigatoka, to support local economies and the broader national workforce strategy.
– A broader narrative that skills development is a central pillar of Fiji’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term growth, aligning education with current and future labour market needs.
Looking ahead
– Expect further expansion of Pacific Polytech’s footprint, with additional hubs and specialized centers that align training with high-demand sectors such as maritime services and hospitality.
– Continued government support, including potential targeted funding and policy measures designed to boost access to practical TVET for youth and underserved communities.
– Ongoing emphasis on public-private collaboration to deliver outcomes that benefit learners, employers and the community at large.
Key takeaways
– Fiji’s leadership reiterates TVET as a strategic investment in employment and economic resilience.
– Pacific Polytech remains a central partner in delivering hands-on, industry-relevant training across the country.
– The Sigatoka centre marks not just an infrastructure milestone but a signal of long-term commitment to workforce development and sectoral growth.
Commentary
This development fits a wider national effort to reduce skill shortages and enhance competitiveness by equipping young people with practical, market-ready abilities. By tying infrastructure investments to measurable workforce outcomes, the government and Pacific Polytech are positioning Fiji to better navigate shifts in tourism, maritime industries and other key sectors. The emphasis on public-private collaboration could serve as a model for expanding access to quality TVET nationwide, fostering a more inclusive and capable economy.
Summary
The opening of Pacific Polytech’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies Centre in Sigatoka reflects a deliberate strategy by Fiji’s government to strengthen TVET, bridge skill gaps in tourism and beyond, and empower youth through practical, industry-aligned training. With ongoing expansion and strong public-private partnerships, the initiative is set to support resilient economic diversification and a more skilled Fiji workforce.
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