Investing in Trade Skills
The trade skills industry is one of the booming sectors in Fiji given the exponential rate of development taking place in the country.
The demand for specialised trade experts is growing for a developing country like ours as we continue to initiate projects that aim towards improving the living standards of the people.
Significant efforts are also in place for the improvement and growth of Fiji’s technical and trade skills - this to equip the industry with a competent and skilled workforce. And this is accomplished through the National Trade Testing Department (NTTD), which is part of Fiji National University’s National Training & Productivity Centre. The NTTD has been offering skills certification for tradespeople for over 40 years, and over 29,000 tradespeople have taken advantage of this scheme and had their skills assessed and certified.
What is Trade Test?
Trade Testing is a scheme where a tradesperson can gain formal recognition of their trade skill sets in Fiji.
Imagine a junior welder who has been working at an engineering shop for a couple of years now. With no prior knowledge no qualification, the welder received training at the workplace.
The worker now has two years of practical knowledge and aims to progress in the career but skills gathered lack certification. This is where trade testing comes in.
Here, the welder will be able to apply for a Class III skills assessment, undertake its theory and practical aspects, and upon successful completion, become a certified Class III welder (assistant tradesperson). Trade test provides one with a validation that your employer may allow you to work at a certain level. Thus, providing the tradesperson with a career pathway to become a supervisor, and perhaps later leading to becoming an entrepreneur. The NTTD conducts assessment and certification in 28 various trades, for both public and institutional tradespeople throughout the year.
Trade test review
Since 2016, NTTD has reviewed seven trades which include: plumber general, lithographic offset machinist, print finishing (formally a bookbinder), motor vehicle mechanic, cabinet maker, cook and the refrigeration and air- conditioning trade.
The review is carried out by the Occupational Skills Standard (OSS) committee which comprises the relevant Government and regulatory bodies, industry reps/employers and the training providers.
It is important these assessments are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the assessments are current and relevant to the industry’s needs.
Industry practices and work techniques are changing at a fast pace due to the advancements in technology and improved internal business processes.
Therefore, the skills set must also be validated accordingly to suit the industry and boost employees’ confidence in their field of trade. One such example is when the hybrid cars entered the Fijian market. There were only a few qualified technicians who could work on such vehicles.
There were some instances whereby improper diagnosis and installation had caused vehicle fire, hence, urgently requiring the need to upskill and to standardise the automotive electrical and electronics technicians’ skill sets.
The department conducted an industry survey and found out that there was a need to develop such trade.
An Occupational Skills Standard (OSS) committee was set up to develop the motor vehicle electrical and electronics trade, which included the three levels of the skills, knowledge and competencies that are expected of a tradesperson. We are currently reviewing the welding trade, and this is expected to complete by mid-September. This review aims to upgrade their knowledge and skills that are required to become a high-class welder, benchmarked against international standards.
Shortage of skilled tradespeople
Over the past few years, Fiji has experienced a boom in the construction industry and thus increased demand for more skilled workers.
However, we continue to face a shortage of skilled technical and trade personnel for the last four decades.
Many employers lack skilled workers in construction, electrical, and automotive trades, as we continue to lose our skilled labour to international markets.
To overcome the shortage of skilled human resources, employers have taken the onus on themselves to train existing workers and recruiting those with no prior knowledge or experience of the trade and train them on-the-job. Meanwhile, increased demand for such skills experts has created ‘jobhoppers’ within the industry. This is where workers are not committed to working for one organization for long.
Hence, to overcome such a situation, employers are vigorously engaged in continuous training and upskilling of their workers to sustain business.
National trade testing model
Trade test certification has two components - theory and practical, and are conducted in the English language.
Only for class III level, candidates may opt for either an ‘oral’ or ‘written’ theoretical test.
There are two sets of minimum requirements for tradesmen aspiring to sit for a trade test.
There is one exclusively for the electrician trade and a general one for all the other approved trades within the trade testing scheme. Tradespersons are encouraged to get their skills certified regardless of whether they have a formal training or qualification. Tradespersons without formal qualification can demonstrate their level of skills against the established national trade standards, provided they have the necessary trade experience.