The Suva City Council (SCC) employees who are skilled-based now have an opportunity to enhance their qualifications by obtaining skilled-based certificates following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pacific Polytech (PP).
Tevita Boseiwaqa, SCC’s acting chief executive officer, stated that this MoU will benefit staff members by improving their qualifications. “Most of our staff engage in skill-based work and need this opportunity; we are looking at more than 200 staff members being involved,” Mr. Boseiwaqa remarked. He added that the initiative would encompass three-quarters of the staff, emphasizing that with a multi-level and multi-skills approach, this MoU could be very impactful.
Boseiwaqa noted that SCC would carry out a training needs analysis to pinpoint specific areas where employees can take advantage of the MoU. This analysis will help identify staffing needs, ultimately aiming to expose employees to a broader range of skills. “When they are multi-skilled, they are in a stronger position for growth compared to being specialized in just one area,” he explained.
Peni Taoi, founding director of PP, welcomed the new agreement, highlighting that it complements existing MoUs with Labasa and Nasinu Town Councils that offer similar advantages to employees. “Pacific Polytech focuses on technical skills, and we also provide upskilling opportunities due to the demand that arises,” Mr. Taoi stated. “This is my third MoU with councils, following Labasa and Nasinu, and now with SCC.”