Hundreds of students from Fiji’s Central Division are actively engaging in the two-day Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Skills Fair at the FMF Gymnasium. This event marks a significant transformation in Fiji’s educational landscape, focusing on developing practical skills alongside traditional academics.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who opened the event, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to expanding TVET opportunities across the nation. This expansion aims to provide diverse learning pathways, ensuring that every Fijian student has access to quality education that emphasizes life skills and readiness for the workplace. Minister Radrodro’s address pointed out the importance of addressing the varied educational needs and aspirations of students. He indicated the event’s alignment with student feedback calling for more practical, skill-oriented educational pathways that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
During his inauguration speech, Radrodro shared his observations from recent school visits, noting the strong enthusiasm for skill development among both teachers and students. He emphasized the event’s role in helping each Fijian child recognize the value of their unique skill set, reaffirming that every student’s educational journey holds significant importance.
The Skills Fair offers students an exciting platform to exhibit their proficiencies in various fields such as construction, agriculture, hospitality, automotive work, and the creative arts. This event not only showcases student talents but also helps uncover potential career paths available to them.
The event adopts an inclusive approach by involving students from remote areas, including Naitasiri. The Ministry is also planning to organize similar fairs in other divisions, ensuring all students across Fiji have equal access to these valuable opportunities.
The TVET Skills Fair aligns with other career-centric initiatives such as the Careers Expo in Nadi and various Career Fairs in Suva. Collectively, these events underline the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to better align education with real-world demands, preparing students for successful futures. By encouraging educational reforms that match industry needs, these fairs inspire students to confidently pursue their aspirations.
These initiatives not only equip youth with essential skills for modern careers but also engage the community by promoting pathways to meaningful and rewarding professions. By closely aligning educational offerings with industry requirements, the Ministry seeks to ensure students are well-prepared to succeed in a dynamic job market, contributing to Fiji’s broader economic growth and development.