Apprentice graduates from the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) were today reminded to continue working hard to contribute to Fiji’s economic growth.
Speaking to the 104 graduates, Minister for Education Filipe Bole said a skilled workforce is the hallmark of any developed economy.
“As such, skills’ training is extremely important for the socio-economic growth of a country,” Mr Bole said.
He added that apprenticeship training has been one of the most significant skills development programmes in Fiji, and its contribution to national growth has been invaluable.
“I firmly believe that the availability of a labour force that has the appropriate skills is a powerful incentive for attracting prospective investors to our shores,” Mr Bole said.
Mr Bole said there are positive indications that significant volumes of investment will take place in the near future in Fiji, especially in the hospitality, mining and manufacturing industries.
“It has therefore become imperative that skills development be addressed as a priority,” Mr Bole said.
The minister said that the NTPC is responding to the skilled workforce needs with a number of short and intensive skills development training programmes geared to make semi-skilled workers immediately available.
“The construction industry has indicated that it requires a substantial number of skilled workers to assist in new infrastructure development projects,” Mr Bole added.
“Discussions on this issue are on-going with various stakeholders in both the industry and the government.”
Efforts are also being made to develop competency-based skills training, which will cater to industry-defined standards.
Mr Bole said the Ministry of Education will be working closely with NTPC in exploring the possibility of extending the National Apprenticeship Scheme to other non-traditional sectors.
Meanwhile, Elijah Kinmun Fong was awarded the overall ‘Best Apprentice’ of the year.
Mr Fong, who now works for the Southern Cross Foods Limited in Ba, graduated with a Trade Certificate in Electrical Fitter Mechanic.
-ENDS-