A call for the government to urgently assess the Apprenticeship Scheme was made yesterday by Hasmuk Lal, the former chief executive of the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service and Group CEO for Oceania Education & Technology Solutions. Speaking at the launch of the Oceania Institute of Technology in Nadi, Lal criticized the previous administration’s decision to merge the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) with the Fiji National University (FNU).
Lal emphasized the importance of reviewing the Apprenticeship Scheme, which he believes is closely tied to the employer levy of 1 percent. He expressed concerns over the ongoing issues surrounding the operational grant model in the current education system.
To enhance the framework of tertiary education in Fiji, Lal suggested that the government should strengthen the Higher Education Commission of Fiji Act. He proposed the establishment of a Tertiary Teaching Grants Committee, which would consist of experts tasked with providing strategic recommendations to both the Commission and the government.
Highlighting the government’s responsibility in establishing educational institutions, Lal stated that it should also be obligated to provide operating grants. He suggested that institutions should receive base funding determined annually while allowing for competitive bidding among public and private providers based on graduate employment outcomes and innovative approaches to meet future employment needs.
This committee would evaluate bids and offer recommendations, ensuring a transparent process grounded in technical expertise, thereby addressing public concerns and enhancing taxpayer confidence in the system. Furthermore, Lal noted that last year’s cabinet approval for the establishment of the Fiji National Research Council should facilitate the distribution of research grants for active universities through this newly formed body. This approach promises to enhance research capabilities and foster educational advancements in Fiji.