65 Principals in the Central Division agree that vocational centres should be reopened

The mass departure of skilled tradespeople from Fiji to international countries has become a major issue in our country, and we need to reopen our vocational centres that were closed by the previous government.

This was highlighted by the Assistant Minister for Education, Iliesa Vanawalu during the consultation of the restructure and the reopening of the vocational centres in Fiji.

The 65 Principals in the Central Division that attended the consultation today all agreed with the new initiative and have requested that the parents be consulted.

The Assistant Minister says in light of the growing issue, the government has recognised the Technical and Vocational Training and Education program as the master key to opening the door of opportunity and prosperity for all Fijians.

Vanawalu says in 2015, there were 66 vocational centres around the country, and the establishment of the technical college resulted in the closing of 33 vocational schools that were serving the community.

He says despite the closing down of the TCF centres, the Education Ministry still has 33 vocational centres, 11 in the Central, 12 in the Western Division, 5 in the North and 5 in the Eastern, and these centres are still attached to secondary schools in the country.

He adds the current vocational subject being offered at these centres has been outdated for the modern industry and he is hoping that changes are made to these subjects to meet the needs of the industry.

The Assistant Minister says students and parents must be assured that the changes they will be implementing will empower our future generation to become skilled and be ready to get a job.

The Chairman for the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, Steven Chand says over time, we have associated high marks attained through a 3-hour written exam, but he asks if these students can measure, cut, hammer and construct that will bring in monetary income, wouldn't we consider them successful students.

Chand says these relevant and recognised skills will ensure all Fijians are productive citizens of Fiji and close the skills gap we are faced with.

He says out from this program, we need our future generation to be skilled, work ready and need to convert our employees to become employers and also be job creators rather than job seekers.

The Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Commission are still working on their plans to have consultations in the Western and Northern Division soon.