Hands on training on technology should begin from the grassroots level.

These were the sentiments of SHAZCOM Technology director operations and technical services, Shanil Chandra.

His company located in Votualevu in Nadi was established in 2011.

Mr Chandra said that people could earn so much money just being an engineer because we are living in a fast evolving technology world.

He added that every sector of Fiji’s society was in demand for technology, whether it was agriculture or infrastructure development.

His business had made many successful achievements over the past years like winning the 2014 Fiji Development Bank Small and Medium Enterprises Award for Professional Business Services.

Mr Chandra said children need to learn technology at an early age when they are still in primary school and it should be included in the curriculum.

He added that children need to go deeper in learning how to use a computer rather than just learning the basics.

Mr Chandra added that children should be taught at an early stage about coding techniques and programming practises which could help them get a deeper meaning of using a computer.

He is a research and development engineer which basically involves the research of technological products all over the world before they are introduced into the Fijian market.

Mr Chandra said there was also a need for quality engineers in Fiji because most have migrated overseas after graduating from the University of the South Pacific.

He suggested for schools to organise competitions that involve inventions. Mr Chandra added that children should have passion for Maths and Physics to be able to excel in this field.