The Suva City Council (SCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pacific Polytech (PP), which will enable skilled-based employees to upgrade their qualifications and obtain relevant certificates. SCC’s acting chief executive officer, Tevita Boseiwaqa, stated that this collaboration will benefit staff members engaged in skill-based work, with over 200 employees expected to participate.
Boseiwaqa highlighted that the agreement aims to include approximately three-quarters of SCC staff, fostering a multi-level and multi-skilled approach to employee development. He noted that the council will initiate a training needs analysis to pinpoint specific areas where team members can benefit from the MoU, ultimately broadening their skill sets.
The analysis will also help identify staffing needs within the council, with the goal of equipping employees with diverse skills. Boseiwaqa emphasized that being multi-skilled empowers staff and enhances their opportunities for growth, as opposed to being confined to a single area of expertise.
Peni Taoi, the founding director of PP, expressed enthusiasm for the MoU, mentioning that it expands on previous agreements made with Labasa and Nasinu Town Councils, which provided similar benefits to their employees. Taoi remarked that Pacific Polytech focuses on technical fields and is committed to offering upskilling opportunities in response to evolving demands. This new agreement marks the third collaboration between PP and local councils.