Thirty-seven employees of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Labasa graduated yesterday with internationally recognised Australian certificates from the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC).

The graduation took place at the Friendly North Inn in Labasa.

Eighteen students received Certificate III level qualifications in trades, including fabrication trade, electro-technology, diesel fitting and machining.

The remaining 19 students graduated in business courses in Certificate IV in Frontline Management and Certificate IV in Project Management practice.

European Union programme management advisor and team leader Michael Parker thanked FSC Labasa for allowing their employees to participate in the course.

“Thank you FSC and human resource team for adjusting work schedules and creating environment for these graduates to complete their studies,” Mr Parker said.

“As the sugarcane industry in Fiji transforms to an increasing competitive environment, it makes sense to invest in research, technology and skills.

“Building the knowledge and skills of home grown managers, certified to international standards and providing the ideas and ability to move the industry into new markets, new products and revenue streams is essential.

“The sugar industry in Fiji continues to face a number of challenges and responding to these challenges requires home grown highly skilled managers who have the industry knowledge, management tools and techniques to move the industry forward for Fiji,” he said.

FSC Labasa mill general manager Karia Christopher, who was the chief guest at the graduation, said this was the first APTC graduation for his employees and hopes more courses would be offered.

He encouraged the graduates to share their knowledge and skills.

Nathaniel Raj, a tradesman of FSC Labasa graduating with Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade diesel fitting, thanked APTC for giving him such professional training.

“To complete this six month course in Suva, I had to leave my wife and son in Labasa which has been very difficult for me,” the 30-year-old father of Batinikama said.

“I thank my employer for giving me the opportunity to upgrade my skills which I would surely share it with my colleagues at work.”

Arun Prasad, 44, holding two certificates (Certificate IV in Frontline Management and Certificate IV in Project Management Practice), said there was no age limit to education.

“I am a father of three children and I feel so proud to live an example to my children when it comes to upgrading knowledge and skills,” Mr Prasad of Bulileka, Labasa said yesterday.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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