More than 200 employees of the Suva City Council are set to receive additional training following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the SCC and Pacific Polytech.
Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting chief executive officer and chairperson of SCC, stated that the training initiatives will encompass a majority of the staff. He mentioned that this MOU is expected to last for at least five years.
“We will conduct a training needs assessment to pinpoint the specific areas where staff require development while they are on the job. Additionally, we aim to introduce our staff to a variety of skills,” Mr. Boseiwaqa explained.
This initiative is intended to help staff develop multiple skills, enhancing their opportunities for growth instead of limiting them to a single specialization.
“We aspire to create a foundation where they can explore other fields through these essential skills, ultimately assisting them in recognizing potential career paths they may wish to follow,” he added.
The overarching goal is to help staff obtain formal qualifications.
Peni Taoi, the director of Pacific Polytech, noted that they had been collaborating on this project for some time, and similar agreements have already been established with the municipal councils of Labasa and Nasinu.
He highlighted that in addition to technical training, the institute also focuses on upskilling to address industry demands.
Mr. Taoi further stated that their programs are being assessed, tested, and validated by the Higher Education Commission of Fiji.