Hundreds of students from schools throughout Fiji’s Central Division are enthusiastically participating in the two-day Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Skills Fair, located at the FMF Gymnasium. The initiative highlights an essential shift in the educational landscape, aiming to broaden horizons beyond traditional academics and foster practical skill development.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, inaugurating the event, emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to expanding TVET opportunities. This commitment includes the enhancement of learning pathways and ensuring every Fijian has access to quality education geared towards both life skills and workplace readiness. The minister’s message reiterated the importance of catering to varying educational needs and aspirations, especially in response to student feedback for relevant, practical, and empowering education.
In his address, Radrodro noted the enthusiasm of teachers and students alike, reflecting on his recent school visits. He expressed that students are advocating for educational pathways that extend beyond conventional academics, embracing skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He pointed out the event as a realization of a vision where each child in Fiji finds value in their skills, underscoring that every student’s journey matters.
The Skills Fair provides a vibrant platform for students to display their talents across a range of fields, including construction, agriculture, hospitality, automotive work, and the creative arts. This platform not only celebrates student talents but also aims to unlock their potential by showcasing the diverse career opportunities available to them.
Highlighting an inclusive approach, the participation extends to students from remote areas such as Naitasiri, and the Ministry has plans to replicate such fairs in other divisions, ensuring all students across Fiji can benefit from similar opportunities.
Building on this, events like the TVET Skills Fair draw parallel to other career and skills-focused initiatives such as the Careers Expo in Nadi and the various Career Fairs across the Suva area. These events underscore the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to align education with the demands of the real world, preparing students for a successful future. These fairs emphasize the importance of educational reform that meets industry needs and encourages students to pursue their dreams with confidence and clarity.
Such initiatives not only empower youth with the necessary skills but also stimulate community engagement by highlighting the pathways to meaningful and fulfilling careers. By aligning education more closely with industry requirements, the Ministry aims to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving job market, ultimately contributing to the broader economic development of Fiji.