Shortage of skills is a huge challenge and we must encourage personal and professional growth - Gavoka

Shortage of skills is currently a huge challenge and we need to provide opportunities that encourage personal and professional growth and development for a long-term career and not just a job.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Miniter for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka at the launch of the Fiji Marriot Training Academy where 42 trainees were awarded for completing the seven-week program and offered employment contracts from Commi III Chefs to Food and Beverage Attendants while 14 are working in the Culinary Department.

He says the academy is not only focusing on nurturing young talent but is also designed and equipped to upskill and train the resort’s current and long-serving associates through rotational training.

The Tourism Minister says it also serves as a platform for empowering our women and girls into the tourism workforce.

Gavoka says there are immediate gaps, especially in the Food and Beverage sector.

He says it is a testament to investing in local talent, training, and equipping people with skills and knowledge to kickstart a highly respected career to earn for their families, support their communities, and contribute to the nation’s workforce.

The Deputy Prime Minister says that tourism is expected to grow as we recover which presents both opportunities and challenges.

He says the opportunity is to invest in people, and create quality jobs in the tourism sector while the challenge is to support the growth and achieve tourism sector competitiveness and sustainability through the right human capital base that meets current and future market demands and, ultimately, enhance competitiveness.