Encouraging young people to consider career paths through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is crucial, emphasized Australia’s Commissioner of Jobs and Skills, Professor Barney Glover, during an interview with The Fiji Times’ online news portal, The Lens@177.
Fiji and Australia share similar goals in enhancing skills, according to Prof. Glover. “Although I haven’t been here long enough to make a full assessment, I notice comparable priorities between Fiji and Australia regarding high-priority skills,” he said.
Prof. Glover noted that Australia, under the Albanese government, is experiencing significant reforms, particularly in their national training system, focusing on TVET, similar to Fiji.
He also highlighted the challenge of encouraging people to choose career paths via TVET in Australia. “We in Australia are very keen on figuring out how to get more young people to consider the career paths and opportunities of vocational education and training, instead of immediately opting for higher education,” he said.
Prof. Glover pointed out that Australia is currently reviewing its apprenticeship programs to meet the need for more skilled workers, a challenge also faced by Fiji. “Recognizing these similarities presents an opportunity for dialogue on approaching these challenges, especially in getting more young people interested in vocational education and training programs.”