Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has emphasized the importance of strengthening technical and vocational training as a key strategy to decrease reliance on foreign workers in Fiji. His remarks come in light of ongoing efforts by the government to build and retain local skills while addressing labor shortages in essential sectors. Professor Prasad highlighted the critical role that technical and vocational education plays in enabling local talent to occupy significant positions traditionally filled by foreign workers.
The Minister noted that while foreign labor is sometimes necessary in areas where local expertise is insufficient, careful management is in place to ensure these practices align with national interests. He revealed that while foreign workers contribute to the economy, the remittances sent back home are considerably lower than those from Fijians working abroad, indicating the value of fostering local employment opportunities.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh supported this initiative, stating that the government is investing in technical and vocational institutions to better equip the workforce. A range of scholarships is being offered in fields critical to closing existing skills gaps, with various providers actively assisting in this endeavor.
These insights echo concerns raised by Dr. Ganesh Chand, chairperson of Pacific Polytech, regarding the high unemployment rates among unskilled indigenous Fijians. Chand pointed to a significant number of untrained individuals, suggesting that many jobs filled by immigrant workers could be adequately addressed by locally trained citizens. His call for substantial investments in skill training aligns with the government’s push to enhance technical and vocational education, highlighting that Fiji needs a national strategy to effectively tackle these challenges.
Additionally, discussions around labor shortages have gained momentum, particularly in sectors like tourism and construction, which rely heavily on skilled labor. Minister Manoa Kamikamica reiterated the necessity for aligned educational outcomes that meet industry demands, urging a shift towards comprehensive workforce training to bolster economic growth.
Amid this backdrop, stakeholders emphasize the potential for vocational training to not only empower individuals but also drive economic resilience. The government’s commitment to revamping the training landscape signifies a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s workforce, offering the promise of improved employment prospects for its youth and a more robust economy if these initiatives are successfully implemented.