Thousands of Tailevu students studying in tertiary institutions have been assisted under the Tailevu Provincial scholarship scheme.
Tailevu Provincial Council chairman Rusiate Tudravu says they provide full sponsorship for students who undergo technical skills programs because this is one area we are lacking in our workforce.
He says they also provide sponsorships for other academic studies, however, they sponsor half or a quarter of the students tuition fees.
Tudravu says most of the youths that are unemployed and living in the village have skills in carpentry, joinery and other technical skills, but they don't have the accredited qualification or papers to move them forward.
The Chairman says through their sponsorship, these youths are given the chance to get accredited qualifications from FNU and USP.
He adds when he started in the role of Chairman, he brought in some changes to improve the services provided by the Council.
Tudravu says he has been advising the chiefs in the province not to rely too much on the government as Tailevu needs to stand on its own.
