Apprenticeship drive to bridge skills gap
LOCAL companies are urged to provide support to initiatives such as the inaugural joint apprenticeship recruitment drive held in Suva last weekend to bridge the skills gap in the country.
The Fiji National University, through the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), hosted the apprenticeship drive last weekend at the College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training’s (CETVET) Derrick Campus in Samabula.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing practical training opportunities for university students through apprenticeship schemes.
Acting Associate Dean TVET Vasenai Kereni said: “This collaboration between FNU and the industries represented would not only benefit our student body by increasing enrolment in apprenticeship programs but also contribute to Fiji’s economy and empower students to gain valuable skills while earning an income”.
She commended the support from industry representatives at the drive for the opportunity for students to gain insight into various trades and career opportunities.
“We are actively seeking more companies to join the initiative. This benefits both the companies who gain access to a pool of potential qualified employees they have helped train, while students gain valuable skills and career prospects.”
NTPC manager apprenticeship and trade test Alvin Lal said the objective of the drive was met with the successful provision of the platform for industry and students to connect.
He said the program would be replicated in the western and northern divisions.
“Our goal is to recruit a significant number of apprentices this year. Over 150 individuals attended this drive, and we anticipate the selection of approximately 60 apprentices,” Mr Lal said.
The NTPC will host an apprenticeship drive for the North at the FNU Naduna campus in Labasa today from 11am to 2pm.