Following the identification of 95 distinct skills in the National Skills Gap Survey Report, including chefs, Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka says increased training for chefs and food and beverage workers is required.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Gavoka says the kitchen sector is one of the key areas where more training is needed, especially as chefs remain highly marketable and in demand around the world.
He says many of Fiji’s tourism operators are global brands such as Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott and InterContinental, which provide systems and opportunities for local workers to grow their skills and gain international-standard experience.
Gavoka says graduates from universities and technical colleges can build strong careers in these hotels and become employable anywhere in the world.
He says that the migration of skilled workers has had a significant impact on the tourism sector, with service levels at times falling below expectations.
However, Gavoka says local training providers have been able to respond quickly, with some offering short three to four-month courses to fill the gaps.
He says while training is important, hands-on experience is equally necessary, and this is happening within Fiji’s hotel industry.
Gavoka adds Fiji workers are among the best in the region, saying many tourism operations across the Pacific rely heavily on Fijian workers.
Meanwhile, the 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered at 10am tomorrow.
