It will take a year or two to turn the corner from the local problem of skills shortages, a consultation between industry leaders was told yesterday.

Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) president Vijay Narsey said the closing of technical and vocational education training colleges was reason for the local shortage of skills.

“Training is one area, which is a continuous process, needs to carry on in order for you to maintain a certain level,” Mr Narsey said.

Key Bodies

Key bodies, like FCEF, are still involved in developing this area, and we will turn the corner in the next year or two, Mr Narsey said.

Consultation with Australian Pacific Training Coalition yesterday was to gauge industry sentiments, and hold constructive discussions over solutions.

Industrial leaders sharing their stories during a group exercise at the Industry Engagement on July 26,2022.

Not a Problem

Skilled workers leaving for greener pastures under the Pacific labour scheme was not a problem, Mr Narsey, said.

“We’re working closely with Fiji Higher Education, to set up the skills council of Fiji, which may take part in the development of the national technical and vocational education training policy,” he said.

“We are mindful of the fact that people are leaving for greener pastures, which is okay, and not an issue, because it’s for development.”

“At the same time, that’s leaving a gap in Fiji.”

More Work Needed

Mr Narsey said the consultation was to address the needs to put some work into more up skilling efforts.

“The representation from various industries like the Ministry of Labor, Fiji National University, and National Training Productivity Centre, and Ministry of Education, showed they are willing to listen.”

“They are the movers and shakers, but they’re wanting us to set the direction for them to where to head to,” he said.

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