Fiji National University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey has stressed to students that Fiji needs a skilled labour force to support the nation's economic development.
He says it needs trained plumbers, electricians, carpenters, aircraft mechanics and automotive engineers.
Healey has encouraged students to consider joining the National Training and Productivity Centre's National Apprenticeship Scheme to receive hands‑on training and skills developments in their respective trade field.
He says for apprentices, they can start working at the age of 18, despite having no skills or qualifications and are supported by their employer to learn a trade which will set up for a successful career.
The National Apprenticeship Scheme began in 1963 and is now in its 52nd year. Over the years, a total of 8,412 apprentices have been part of the this training scheme
Currently, there are 262 apprentices in the scheme.
Healey says the advantages for the employers are that they are developing the next generation of tradespeople by training them on‑the‑job to use the particular machines and instruments needed for their own business.
Energy Fiji Limited which recently recruited 34 apprentices from the Trade Electrical field, hopes to increase the number to 239 by May this year.
General Manager Human Resources Naveen Lakshmaiya says for them as an employer, recruiting apprentices is not a cost but is an investment that they look into and they will continue to recruit more apprentices in years to come.
Asco Motors National Fixed Operations Manager Sanjeet Kumar who started his career as an apprentice two decades ago, says through such schemes employers are able to carry out succession planning to meet their workforce needs.
The Fiji National University has launched the National Apprentice Week to celebrate and raise public awareness on the impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy.
