A significant investment of $14 million by FIJI Water and Neptune Pacific Career Centre aims to enhance training opportunities in Fiji for students and employees in the marine and manufacturing sectors. This new training facility, set to be established within Fiji National University, will focus on delivering hands-on experience as well as academic certification, crucial for developing the essential skills needed in these industries.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, FNU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, and The Wonderful Company’s Executive Vice President Craig Cooper during an event at the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies last month. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific, and Fiji National University, driven by research highlighting a significant gap in fundamental industrial skills in the local workforce.
This career centre is designed to create a robust pipeline for high-skilled employment opportunities, offering a diverse range of technical and management courses tailored to meet the market’s demands. Students will be able to earn certification and academic credits upon completing core curriculum or specialized training pathways. Over the next decade, the initiative expects to cater to more than 400 students, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and international job markets.
Professor Nabobo-Baba highlighted this investment as a pivotal step toward fostering long-term economic growth, positioning Fiji as a centre of excellence in marine and manufacturing sectors within the South Pacific. Cooper shared that the demand for skilled workers in these areas has never been higher and that the program will create a culture of continuous learning and innovation among graduates.
The appointment of Carol Watkins as the Career Centre director, effective from November 1, underscores the initiative’s commitment to educational quality and workforce development. This project follows similar prior initiatives aiming to address labor shortages in Fiji’s maritime operations and reflects a burgeoning commitment to improving the local training landscape.
Through this venture, FIJI Water and its partners are not only addressing immediate workforce challenges but also investing in the future of Fiji’s economy. This initiative promises to uplift the local community, contributing to increased employability and empowering individuals with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market. By focusing on education and vocational training, a brighter economic outlook lies ahead for Fiji and its residents.