Training and development needs are changing every day, says Alumeci Tuisawau.

Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, director technology and employment skills training said learning from experts is critical to retaining the effectiveness and focus on trainings.

Ms Tuisawau officiated at the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity 4th National Trainers Conference (NTC) at the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Pacific Harbour yesterday.

The two-day conference, she said was an investment of NTPC to increase engagement with industry partners.

“A robust training and development programme ensures that employees have a consistent experience and background knowledge,” Ms Tuisawau said.

“The consistency is particularly relevant for the company’s basic policies and procedures.

“All employees need to be aware of the expectations and procedures within the company. Increased efficiencies in processes result in financial gain for the company.

“Increased productivity and adherence to quality standards – Productivity usually increases when a company implements training courses.

“Increased efficiency in processes will ensure project success which in turn will improve the company turnover and potential market share.

“Increased innovation in new strategies and products – Ongoing training and upskilling of the workforce can encourage creativity. New ideas can be formed as a direct result of training and development.”

Workplace training is important

She highlighted that while workplace training was an excellent opportunity, however, for many businesses, the cost of training and development could be expensive.

“Training and development needs are changing every day, while workplace training is an excellent opportunity to expand both the knowledge base and skills of all employees. However for many businesses, the cost of training and development can be quite expensive.

“This is a major reason why many employers cut down on training opportunities for their employees- training sessions can delay the completion of projects due to workers needing to take time out in order to attend.

“However, despite the potential drawbacks, training and development is able to provide both individual employees and the company as a whole with benefits that can make the time and money spent a worthwhile investment.”

She noted that this was where the National Training and Productivity Centre and its industry partners come in.

Conference is the best platform

“This conference is the best platform to develop and find more effectively focused training methods for a global perspective.

“The strong emphasis on the 2018 training theme Focussed Training- the Global Scope will generate ideas for maximum capacity building of our people resource.

“Fiji will benefit from these transformations structured from a global perspective.

“NTPC has a major responsibility to deal successfully with the challenges facing our country.

“One of the ownerships is to produce quality outputs for the greater good of society.

“With this sharing of specialised experience and knowledge, we not only anticipate challenges but convert them into opportunities to strengthen our training practices.

“NTPC’s role of providing trainings to organisations  so that they become locally and globally competitive is challenging.

“That explains our commitment to reviewing our existing programmes to assure that we meet the current needs of industry and align for the future.

Short courses offered at FNU

NTPC conducts short courses in a diverse range of areas through its three training divisions: the Division of Business and Information Technology, the Division of Executive Management and Hospitality Services and the Division of Technical Training.

Forums, such as National Trainers Conference, contribute substantially to Fiji National University’s Strategic Plan 2020 i.e.

•Delivering the highest quality and standards of teaching and training at all FNU locations.

•Ensuring human resources excel through talent management, reward and development.

•maintaining international standards in managing quality, information and business processes

Capturing the know-how of our training experts, is critical to retaining the effectiveness and focus of our trainings.

She said: “Through partnership and collaboration, we can strengthen these undertakings in conferences such as this.

“I am proud to learn this premier event has gathered experts, professionals and our industry colleagues with expertise in Human Resources and Training Functions.  Sharing experiences, perspectives, insights, success stories and the latest business training developments is an objective of this conference.

“I understand that bold and creative trainers are required to champion the challenges, increase the ownership of this strategy and drive the key training providers and NTPC.

“We are responsible for ensuring that key issues on training strategies and mechanisms are discussed, deliberated and implemented for a global perspective.

“I am assured the reforms initiated, ideas and experiences shared will be successfully implemented.”

About the conference

More than 200 delegates comprising industry professionals and Human Resources and Training experts were in attended.

There was also a strong line-up of speakers who shared their experiences, perspectives, insights, success stories and the latest business training developments with participants.

Some of the overseas consultants who featured at this high-level meet are Paul Barett, Group HR Manager for CJ Patel, Warwick MacCormack, Founder and Director of New Zealand based training institute Learn.fast, Mayur Kalbag, a leading international trainer from India.

Also Roger La Salle an ABC TV and TED regular, creator of Matrix Thinking, Mark Stitt, Australian based FIT expert, Craig Sims, chief executive officer for Asco Motors and Australian based psychometric expert Beth Sketcher.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj