Pacific Polytech faces staffing pressure after grant cut

Pacific Polytech is facing concerns over staffing and its ability to sustain programmes following a significant reduction in Government funding.

Acting director Satya Shandil confirmed that the institution’s Government grant had been drastically reduced from about $7 million to $500,000.

The reduction has raised concerns about the sustainability of its 14 campuses and the possibility of staff reductions.

Mr Shandil said the funding situation was a serious concern.

“This is a serious matter for the staff that we have. We are talking to them, and in the worst situation, they may have to take leave without pay,” he said.

He called for a review of the current funding allocation system, claiming that 97 per cent of available resources were allocated to three major institutions.

Mr Shandil said greater investment in local technical and vocational education and training was needed to address Fiji’s shortage of skilled workers.

He said increased support for technical and vocational training could reduce Fiji’s reliance on overseas or migrant workers and ensure more economic benefits remained in the country.

Industries such as Vatukoula Gold Mine continued to seek skilled tradespeople, he said, but Pacific Polytech’s ability to meet that demand was being constrained by limited funding.

Mr Shandil said Fiji had been recruiting overseas workers for positions that could be filled by locals.

“This means wages are being sent overseas when we have young people in Fiji who could be trained to fill these positions.”

Call for continued support

Assistant director Maikali Naikawakawavesi said 75 students graduated from the Tavua Campus last week after completing the National Qualification Programme.

A further 39 students completed Government-funded short courses.

He called for continued Government support for the next qualification cycle and other skills-training initiatives.

“Sustaining funding is essential to maintain the programmes and provide young people with opportunities to gain industry-relevant skills,” Mr Naikawakawavesi said.