Skills crisis deepens despite years of national forums, talks

Fiji’s long-running skills shortage remains unresolved despite years of national forums and discussions, with urgent action now being demanded from stakeholders.

That was the blunt assessment from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Pro Vice-Chancellor Isimeli Tagicakiverata at the Fiji National University (FNU) National TVET Forum 2026 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi yesterday.

Mr Tagicakiverata said the country continues to grapple with the same workforce challenges raised in previous years.

“We are still seeing the same headlines from 2023, skills gaps, workers leaving, and shortages in key industries,” he said.

He highlighted that about 15,000 Fijians leave annually for seasonal work overseas, with thousands more professionals working abroad and contributing to an estimated $1.5 billion in remittances.

While acknowledging the economic benefits, he warned of growing social and labour consequences.

“Some communities are becoming dependent on remittances instead of participating in the workforce. That is the problem we are facing,” he said.

Despite youth unemployment sitting at 26 per cent, key sectors are struggling. The construction industry alone, valued at about $2 billion, is facing critical shortages of skilled local workers.

“As a result, companies are bringing in workers from overseas. The question is, where are our young people?” he asked.

Mr Tagicakiverata said FNU had trained more than 6000 students in certificate and diploma TVET programmes over the past five years, in addition to thousands more through short courses and apprenticeships.

However, he raised concern over declining government grants, which he said were limiting the university’s capacity to respond effectively.

“We can talk and research, but with dwindling resources, what more can we do?”

He stressed that this year’s forum must go beyond dialogue and deliver concrete outcomes.

“We expect clear action plans for 2026, not 2027. The real measure is what we do after this forum,” he said.