Impact of COVID-19 on apprenticeship training
ensure apprentices
■Stude■ts were given free data access to FNU website, Moodle and library Services for free by Vodafone and Digicel
Challenges
are not disadvantaged
Due to international border closure, Fiji’s tourism industry has been hit hard as the sector contributes to the highest per centage of GDP to Fiji’s economy.
Local businesses are struggling to survive and are forced to make hard decision during financial constraints.
This is affected the apprentices as well.
These include:
■Reduced hours of work
■Uti●ise leaves
■De●ay in planned recruitment for apprentices
■Withdrawa● of theoretical training by employers due to financial constraints and
■Ca■ce●i■g and terminating of Apprenticeship contracts
Opportunities
During this pandemic, Fiji was also hit by Cyclone Harold and apprentices had to take up lead roles since their senior tradesman could not report to work due to lockdown. Apprentices gained more exposure in their areas of training as well as they were rotated to fill roles of administrative staffs.
How can you become an Apprentice?
If you are 18 years and above with a pass in year 12, have a passion to work and learn and are willing to be part of a diverse team, you can become an apprentice.
When companies advertise for apprentice intake, you could directly apply with the company or talk to the national apprenticeship training department and they will assist you through the process.
Apprentices in training
Tukai Mataibeci is a first year apprentice in electrical engineering with Energy Fiji Limited.
He says the apprentice scheme is very interesting programme as it is a combination of on the field practical training and theoretical training.
It enables a trainee to physically see and do the theory they learn in school.
It has taught Mataibeci the norms of being in a work environment in an early stage of his life building up character, attitude etc. of how to become a good worker/employee.
Mataibeci believes the scheme motivates an apprentice to learn and work hard as it is a very rare opportunity.
Firts year apprentice Tukai Mataibeci Electrical engineering. Currently at Energy Fiji Limited Kinoya depot, Suva.
“My goal is to learn as many things as possible about my field and become a permanent member of my company.
“I will continue to take advantage of this rare opportunity of learning that will build you to become a good and reliable worker,” he added.
Rosalia Sikoa is a third year apprentice and works as an electrical fitter mechanic with Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Limited.
She states that being in the apprenticeship scheme enables her to socialise with different kinds people, to learn the skills they teach, techniques and even take up a second language i.e. Hindi.
Sikoa says having a company to pay for her school fees and even to purchase her tools is a huge bonus and help.
“I will continue applying what I’ve learnt to the work I do is definitely a win since I get paid also.
In all honesty, I am aiming to complete my four year contract on a high note, learn as much as I can in my field of work and to get a permanent job,” she said.
“Always remember what you have been taught, and don’t let go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life.
“Endurance is the key,” Sikoa added.
Inspection and on the Job Assessments
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, round one of Apprentice Inspection and On the Job Assessment which was scheduled for March to April has been delayed.
Apprentices and employer are being contacted and advised of the rescheduled dates. Apprentices are also advised to continue with their on job training and improve on the recommendation of last inspection. Below are some FAQ’s for apprentices:
What will happen if Apprenticeship Contract is terminated?
Apprentices are asked to contact the apprenticeship training department immediately.
All attempts will be made by the department with you current employer to avoid any redundancy situation. You may still be able to continue with your apprenticeship training as department can facilitate transfer of apprenticeship contract.
Difficulties in online training mode?
If you are finding difficulties in accessing moodle and other theory training aids, please contact the college program coordinators and apprenticeship training department.
My employer is asking me to take a period of unpaid leave/furlough, what happens to my apprenticeship during that time?
If you are advised by employer to take unpaid leave, you can continue with your apprenticeship when you will resume work.
There may be a possibility of extending your training contract to cover the short fall.
How do I update my training records while I am study online?
Continue updating your training record book and daily record.
If you need any further clarification, please contact your respective apprenticeship officer.
Is the Apprenticeship Training Department still registering Apprentices during this Pandemic?
For employer who have potential apprentices on probation period and also new recruits, the department is still continuing with the registration and Induction of apprentices.
If I can’t work/attend training, will still be paid? I
According to your apprenticeship contract, you will only be paid if you are at work or attending theory program (Online Classes).
If I am attending Online Training, how will my practical assessment take place?
All practical assessment are deferred until resumption of face-face classes.
Apprenticeship training seeks a competitive advantage through being the best and through innovation to improve its products and processes.
For further information about the National Apprenticeship Scheme, please NTPC’s National Apprenticeship Training Department on 3392 000 ext 4795 or via email: apprenticeship@fnu.ac.fj.