Fiji’s apprenticeship scheme is in desperate need of a revamp, as concerns intensify over its inability to produce the skilled and productive workforce the nation requires. Hasmukh Lal, Founder and Group CEO of Oceania Education and Technology Solutions, highlights that the once-effective apprenticeship model that thrived in the 1980s and 1990s has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
Lal identifies a turning point in 2009 and 2010 when the interim government combined the Tertiary and Productivity Education Programme with the Fiji National University (FNU). While he believes the merger of the training component itself might not have been problematic, the decision to grant FNU regulatory and administrative control over the 1 percent levy has resulted in substantial obstacles.
He notes, “The regulatory and the administration of that 1% levy, which got merged into FNU, makes FNU the judge, jury, and executor.” This situation has impeded productivity development, skills training, and the overall apprenticeship scheme, leading to a significant decline in industry investment in workforce development.
Lal explains that the division of the 1 percent levy, which allocates only 10% for training, with the majority going towards medical and accident compensation, undermines the very purpose of the levy. This shift creates substantial discouragement for industries in Fiji concerning enhancing productivity and developing talent.
To combat these issues, Lal is calling on the coalition government to show political determination by separating the administration of the 1 percent levy from training providers, as well as reviewing the current distribution of funds. He emphasizes the need to revive the fast-track apprenticeship scheme that previously succeeded in cultivating skilled workers, which would be instrumental in addressing Fiji’s existing skills deficits.
Implementing these changes could pave the way for a rejuvenated workforce, ultimately bolstering Fiji’s economic growth and enhancing opportunities for its citizens.