The first employer to recruit Fijians under the Australian Seasonal Worker Program applauded the pilot group of four workers for demonstrating excellent performance since they started three months ago.
The employer, PlantGrowPick Pty Ltd has proclaimed the group as ‘the best among all workers’ engaged by the company.
PlantGrowPick director Mr Walter Fangatua, who is currently in the country to enlist more workers, said the group’s outstanding performance has opened doors for Australian Approved Employers to recruit seasonal workers from Fiji.
“We want everyone in Fiji to recognise these four boys as they have opened the doors for more Fijians to work in my company. I have given them my trust and assurance that the door for Fiji is open because of their commitment, hard work and consistency,” Mr Fangatua said.
While congratulating the Fijian Government and the Ministry of Employment, Mr Fangatua affirmed that the relationship developed by the pilot group will get better and stronger in the future.
“My company has been blessed to have these four young men. You chose them; they came; they accomplished the mission you set for them. They have done everything right that all seasonal workers should do,” Fangatua added.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations, Hon Jioji Konrote said the Ministry is pleased with the excellent feedback; and is preparing Fijians registered with the Foreign Employment Service (FORES) for selection by other employers.
Hon Konrote confirms the Ministry has developed a robust Work Ready Pool for seasonal work offered by both Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, stringent procedures are maintained to select people who are medically fit, of good character and have the right attitude towards work.
“To ensure Fiji retains the competitive edge in this market, our selection standards will not be lowered,” Konrote firmly reiterates.
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Government for Fiji’s participation in the Seasonal Worker Program in April this year.