Datec Fiji, a prominent ICT solutions provider, is set to enhance its training academy in Suva, with a focus on bolstering the country’s digital outsourcing workforce. This initiative is backed by an $80,000 grant from the Australian government’s Market Development Facility (MDF), aimed at providing accredited training in sought-after fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital systems.
As demand for higher-value Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) and Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) contracts grows among outsourcing firms, the academy aims to cater to this need by training over 100 participants each year. The training will be accredited by the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC), allowing students to tap into funding options via the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS).
Datec Fiji’s CEO, Vinit Nand, emphasized the objective of cultivating a future-ready workforce by investing in various demographics, including women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to ready students for high-value digital careers while reinforcing Fiji’s status as a competitive outsourcing destination and ICT hub.
The partnership with MDF will enable Datec to develop a tailored curriculum that aligns with industry needs and engage a master trainer to lead training programs for local instructors. Additionally, MDF will support Datec in meeting accessibility standards for training and will invest in inclusive infrastructure and technology, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in training opportunities.
MDF country director Kelera Cavuilati pointed out that this partnership encapsulates the shared vision of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, aiming to cultivate a future-ready workforce equipped with skills necessary for the contemporary digital economy. Noting that the outsourcing sector contributes over $200 million annually and employs more than 8,000 individuals, she highlighted the urgency of addressing the skills gap in KPO and ITO roles, which poses a significant barrier to sustained growth.
Furthermore, the collaboration aims to create pathways for Fijians to receive training relevant to the BPO, KPO, and ICT industries, complementing government initiatives outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 2050. Ms. Cavuilati underlined the importance of inclusivity in these opportunities, ensuring that advancements in the digital economy are accessible for everyone.
As Datec prepares to invest approximately $250,000 in the necessary infrastructure to support this training, the outlook for the industry remains positive. The initiative not only addresses the current skills gap but also promises to generate employment opportunities and foster economic growth, thereby benefiting businesses and households across Fiji.