Suva City Council (SCC) has entered into a new agreement with Pacific Polytech (PP) that enables skilled employees to pursue certification enhancements. Acting chief executive officer Tevita Boseiwaqa stated that this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will significantly benefit staff members by allowing them to improve their qualifications.
Boseiwaqa highlighted that the majority of the workforce, numbering over 200 employees, performs skill-based work and will benefit from this initiative. He noted that approximately three-quarters of the staff will be engaged in this training program, reflecting the council’s commitment to a multi-skilled workforce.
To effectively utilize the MoU, SCC plans to conduct a training needs analysis to pinpoint specific areas where staff can enhance their skills. This analysis aims to identify additional staff requirements, fostering a diverse skill set among employees.
“Having a multi-skilled workforce strengthens their growth potential compared to being specialized in only one area,” Boseiwaqa remarked.
Peni Taoi, founding director of Pacific Polytech, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that this new MoU follows similar agreements with Labasa and Nasinu Town Councils, which offer equivalent benefits to their employees. He noted that Pacific Polytech focuses on technical training and upskilling to meet emerging opportunities. This marks the third MoU established by the council in collaboration with educational institutions.