The national skills development system in Fiji is in urgent need of enhancement to better address the ongoing skills gap within the country. This insight comes from Martin Wandera, the director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pacific Office, who shared his thoughts in an interview following the discussions at the recent TOPEX Conference 2024.
At the conference, delegates raised concerns about the loss of skilled workers in Fiji, highlighting the importance of improving workforce productivity and lowering business operational costs. Mr. Wandera emphasized that the overall production and economic growth of a nation are heavily dependent on the quality of its labor force.
He pointed out that skills development remains a critical issue, noting that there is still considerable work to be done in this area. Mr. Wandera stressed the necessity to review the current national skills development framework to identify what is effective and what is not, aiming to find viable solutions for these challenges.
This process calls for collaborative action among various stakeholders, including the government, workers, employers, investors, and other organizations. Mr. Wandera expressed hope that the Government would take the initiative to organize a forum aimed at addressing the skills gap in Fiji following this year’s TOPEX conference.
In summary, there is a strong call for improvement in Fiji’s skills development framework, underscoring the need for collective action to enhance workforce capabilities, which is vital for economic growth and productivity.
This situation presents an opportunity for Fiji to revamp its approach to skills training and workforce development, fostering a more sustainable economic future. With the right initiatives and collaboration, Fiji could potentially transform its labor market and retain skilled workers, benefiting both individuals and businesses alike.
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