FNU trains students to be job creators, not just seekers
Programmes are not only fully accredited, but designed to help graduates secure jobs both in Fiji and abroad, or create their own.
Thursday 31 July 2025 | 05:00
Fiji National University manager for Laboratory and Resources, Faijal Ali, standing next to one of the Universal Testing Machine 20KN on July 31, 2025.
Photo: Mere Ledua
The Fiji National University’s College of Engineering and Technical Vocation and Education Training (TVET) is transforming how students see their future.
This is not just as workers, but as innovators and business owners.
During a media briefing at the Derrick Campus in Samabula, School Dean, Salabogi Mavoa, said that Fiji National University’s (FNU) diploma programmes were not only fully accredited, but designed to help graduates secure jobs both in Fiji and abroad, or create their own.
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“We want them to become job creators, not just job seekers,” Mr Mavoa said.
The message comes at a time when Fiji, like much
We want them to become job creators, not just job seekers.
Salabogi Mavoa, Fiji National University's College of Engineering and Technical Vocation and Education Training (TVET) Dean
The message comes at a time when Fiji, like much of the world, faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. The construction industry alone requires thousands more trained professionals to meet the growing housing demand.
Mr Mavoa highlighted that the diploma programmes were internationally recognised and equipped students with hands-on, industry-ready skills.
“Our Diploma programme has full accreditation. That means students trained here can work in Australia, New Zealand, the UK or anywhere,” he said. “We’re training students to meet international benchmarks – both academically and practically.”
Adjunct Professor Ankim Swamy, regarded as the 'father of TVET' in Fiji, added that today's workforce must be both skilled with their hands and knowledgeable in theory.
“To build the 1600 homes needed every year, you need thousands trained,” said professor Swamy. “That’s where TVET plays a key role.
“There is a huge shortage of skilled people globally, especially those with both practical skills and academic training.”
All equipment used for training were sourced internationally.
“There is no such thing as Fiji standards anymore. We use equipment from Japan, the UK and Australia, so we’re training to global standards,” he said
The college is also in the process of securing full accreditation for its bachelor’s programmess, with a provisional review recently completed.
“This is not new,” Mr Mavoa said. “FNU has been doing this since 1973. We’re just taking it to the next level for the next generation.”
