A growing number of employers are reporting difficulty filling job vacancies in Fiji, with concerns that many locals are unwilling to take up available work despite rising unemployment challenges.
The issue was highlighted by Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation CEO, Edward Bernard on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan.
Bernard also raised that remittances are one reason some people are choosing not to work.
Insert: Bernard on unemployment 25th May
Bernard revealed that during one recruitment drive, between 30 and 50 applicants tested positive for drugs.
He says there are multiple issues affecting Fiji’s labour market and stakeholders must work together to address the growing challenges.
Meanwhile, Fiji Higher Education Commission Director, Doctor Eci Naisele says Fiji’s higher education and training system is not producing enough skilled workers in key sectors such as hospitality, information technology, accounting, electrical work and machine operations.
He also noted that many graduates enter the workforce only to discover their qualifications do not match employer expectations.
He says the Commission is now working to use industry feedback to reassess training programmes and identify urgent niche skill areas, including chefs, technicians, accountants, IT specialists, machine operators and specialised roles such as crane drivers.
He adds that efforts are underway with the Land Transport Authority to strengthen certification pathways for machine operators and short-course trainees so their skills are formally recognised.
Dr Naisele also raised concern that many workers currently gain skills informally on the job without receiving formal qualifications, limiting long-term career progression.
