MASTER BUILDERS PUSH FOR MORE TRAINING

With their Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 22nd this year, the Fiji Master Builders Association (FMBA) is now reviewing key issues affecting their members to be discussed at the event. One of their primary concerns is training.

The shortage of trade skills in the construction sector according to FMBA Secretary Vijay Naidu reflects the “strong need for more targeted training across the industry.” He said the post TC Winston reconstruction period also gave rise to the need for a better trained construction workforce. “We must accept that not all students coming out of the education system will end up in universities and white collar jobs.

“The FMBA is keen to work with our technical colleges to help make this industry more attractive as a serious career option for many of our young people,” said Mr Naidu. Against the backdrop of a 4.2 percent economic growth in 2017, supported by a strong 3.6 per cent growth outlook by the Reserve Bank for next year, Mr Naidu says a significant portion of that will also involve the building segment.

With Government’s focus also on providing affordable housing to first time home owners, Mr Naidu adds “The FMBA is well placed to help facilitate such initiatives by way of supplying a better trained and skilled workforce that will reflect in better quality housing standards here in Fiji.”