Graduates from the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) were urged to improve Fiji’s agricultural productivity

147 students graduated from NTPC on Wednesday.

Four students graduated with National Safety Council of Australia certificates, 15 students with Australian Institute of Management certificates and 128 students with TAFE NSW certificates during the Fiji National University’s NTPC graduation ceremony held at Novotel Convention Centre in Lami.

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate said he wanted to see a growth in young graduates taking up trade areas and exploring youth entrepreneurship.

“Be prepared to look ahead and to forecast future competency profiles and develop programmes and systems that meet those needs,” Mr Usamate said.

“The tertiary institutions will work constantly with the Higher Education Commission to ensure that they deliver the right kind of skilled workers in this country.

“Fiji needs huge improvement in agricultural productivity. Fiji needs you to be part of that effort to improve agricultural productivity, whether it is a farmer, a researcher or a bureaucrat.”

He applauded the recent introduction of new programmes by NTPC such as Diploma of Project Management from Australia Institute of Management and Diploma of Human Resource Management from TAFE NSW.

“I also commend NTPC for the continuous capital development projects undertaken to meet international standards in terms of training facilities. Effective training requires the right kind of teaching environment, the right quality of teachers and the right facilities and equipment,” Mr Usamate said.

Edited by Percy Kean

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