Oldest graduate, 54, earns qualification alongside son

A father and son graduated together today in plumbing and sheetmetal, proving that education has no age limit.

Kositino Peceli, 54, was the oldest graduate at Pacific Polytech's Labasa graduation ceremony, where he completed a National Certificate in Plumbing and Sheetmetal (Level 3) alongside his son, Sakiusa Sakaraia Maivuinadi.

The pair, originally from Nasinu in Savusavu, were among graduates from the School of Trades and Technology.

Mr Peceli said he decided to change careers after years of working as a carpenter and block layer.

"At the age of 54, I decided to change my career," he said.

He said studying at Pacific Polytech gave him the opportunity to gain new skills while learning alongside younger students.

"I was the oldest, but I made friends with young students. It was good to interact with them and learn new things."

Mr Peceli also completed a three-month attachment as a handyman at Navatu Secondary School in Natewa Bay, Cakaudrove.

"I feel proud of myself graduating and setting an example to others that education has no age limit."

He said graduating alongside his son made the occasion even more special.

For Sakiusa Sakaraia Maivuinadi, the qualification marked his second from Pacific Polytech after previously completing a National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 3).

"Graduating in the same course as my dad was something I always wanted, and I plan to continue my studies," he said.

Like his father, he completed a three-month attachment at Navatu Secondary School.

"My attachment was a great experience. Every day we learned something new and I made new friends."

Their shared achievement reflects the value of lifelong learning and the encouragement families can provide in pursuing education.