The Fiji National University’s National Training & Productivity Centre’s (NTPC) Department of National Trade Test has commenced its Occupational Skills Standards review in the Motor Vehicle Mechanic (MVM) trade.

This brings the number to seven trades Lithographic Offset Machinist, Print Finishing, Plumber General, Heavy Diesel Mechanic Commercial, Motor Vehicle Electrical Electronics, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning, Cabinet Maker that are currently being reviewed.

The Trade Test department invited representatives from the automotive industries and well as government bodies which included Asco Motors, Niranjans, Carpenters Motors and LTA and Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

Director NTPC Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the last review was done in 1998, that’s almost a 19 year gap.

Avinesh R Lal of Vision Motors will chair this review committee. The committee is expected to have three seating’s for this review.

“As the authority responsible for skills certification, the NTTD fulfills a number of tasks enabling workers in Fiji to obtain certification for their skills,” said Mr Lal.

”Recognition of trade skills is a way of gaining formal recognition as a tradesman in Fiji. It is vital that the tradespeople upgrade their skills and undertake certification so that as they progress with their experience they also progress with their career.”

NTTD offers 28 trade skills assessments and over 28600 participants have taken advantage of this scheme.