"Why should we bring in labourers from other countries when we have people in Fiji that are unemployed but are able to learn and do the job".
Speaking at the Construction Industry Council Conference in Suva, FNU College of Engineering, Science and Technology Acting Dean, Salabogi Mavoa says most construction businesses in the country have been employing labourers from other countries.
Mavoa says as FNU is the nation's national university they have the responsibility in creating a clear pathway for students coming in with various educational backgrounds.
Mavoa stressed that they play a vital role in the construction industry through the training of skilled and qualified workers at its campuses.
He says this is by developing higher level programmes for some of their certificates and diploma courses which is something they are working to attain.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar has said the sudden demand and the shortage of skilled workers must be seen as an opportunity for the education institutions to provide training for the workforce.
She says this will ensure that the construction industry is able to cater for the demand of skilled workers at all times.
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