Leaving Mavana, Vanuabalavu, Lau at the age of 12, Viliame Oioi was adamant in becoming an engineer no matter how difficult the journey was going to be.

With that in mind, Mr Oioi took up the relevant subjects at Ratu Kadavulevu School, Tavua College and Nelson High School in his quest to achieve his dream career.

According to the 66-year-old, these three institutions contributed to the love and passion he had for engineering.

“I had always dreamt of becoming an engineer and I made it my aim to become one,” Mr Oioi said.

“After high school, the teachers saw how well I progressed with my chosen subjects and I was fortunate to be chosen to undergo engineering apprentice studies at Vatukoula Emperor Gold Mine,” he said.

“In 1972 there was a chance for me to work and further my studies in the gold mine and I took up that chance in the mine’s powerhouse.

“After five years I managed to attain my trade certificate in fitting and machines and my diploma in trade as well, all that while working.”

He said after leaving Vatukoula he joined the then Fiji Electricity Authority now known as Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL).

After only two years, he crossed over to be a ship engineer, a career that he has been part of the past 33 years.

“My education did not only end with my certificate and diploma in trade, but I also furthered my education at the Fiji Maritime Academy attaining my Class Three and Class Two certificate of competency in marine engineering.

“I then went on to study how to survey engines on ships, this is not any ordinary ship but surveying engines for foreign vessels that come into Fiji.

“That is known as port state control survey; we worked with foreigners who brought their vessels to Fiji ports.”

Mr Oioi also studied in Japan for a year focusing on marine engineering and ship stability.

He also worked in Pacific Island ports which included American Samoa and New Zealand where he worked as a fleet engineer.

Today, though the challenge of age, he is still doing what he does best; he is a senior engineer for Goundar Shipping Limited.

“I have the qualification (Class Two foreign ticket) to go and bring foreign vessels bought overseas for Fiji.

“Part of my job is to go and clear the vessel from where it is bought from.

“Engineers play an important role as the operation of the whole vessel movement is in their hands.”

Now Chief Engineer of Goundar Shipping, Mr Oioi said though sailing has its own set of challenges, it is a workplace that looks after the wellbeing of its workers.

“On ships, you do not have to worry about what you eat, drink and where you sleep, it is all taken care of, all you have to do is perform your job to your best ability.

CHALLENGES

Mr Oioi said just like any other career, there are also challenges he faces in his work.

“Challenges arise from left, right and centre but it requires time management and proper planning.

“We have time away from our families, communication breakdown and sometimes we feel lonely when we are away in a foreign country and sea.

“Whatever chance we have with our family we make the most of it and those are moments that we cherish; the little time we have with them.”

DRIVEN BY PASSION

Mr Oioi added that his passion for engineering keeps him going even at this age.

“It is important that you have a career that is passion-driven, you have to learn to love your job regardless of the different circumstances you go through.

“Your job is God’s gift to you, cherish it and work with all your heart.”

EDUCATION IS KEY

He said it was important for youths to know that education was important and to grab hold of the opportunities to learn.

“Sometimes when youths get a job, they totally forget about furthering their education, which should not be the case.

“I urge youths to work towards achieving the highest level of education they can get, only then they will find doors of opportunities opening up to them.

“Have a dream, work towards it, and achieve it. Nothing is impossible.”

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