Training key to growth
GREETINGS from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), the Voice of the Private Sector.
“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” – Henry Ford
A New year and a new training calendar for the Federation. We have aligned many trainings based on the results analysed from our training needs analysis (TNA) of 2023 for the members of the Federation as well as the general public.
With this in mind, it is a given that any organisation that invests in workplace training is investing in its own success.
The Federation encourages managers and team leaders to engage in our trainings.
The chief executive officer (CEO) for FCEF, Jonetani Tonawai, appreciates the continued support in encouraging member employees to take advantage of trainings for their organisation’s sustainable growth and development.
I completely agree with the CEO when he encourages his staff and members to upskill themselves through training. Advances in technology have given employers and human resource representatives more development training methods than ever. Whether your organisation is exploring newer training methods or clinging to the more traditional mediums, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone learns differently. In fact, there are three major learning styles in adult learning: Visual: Learning by seeing or watching;
Auditory: Learning by listening to and absorbing information; and Kinesthetic: Learning through action, or by doing.
The training unit at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation incorporates all these types of learning and tailor makes and delivers trainings in alignment with the needs of its members.
To begin with, we bring the best pool of talented trainers, both in-house and out sourced, to cater for the demands of our members.
Our trainers have more than 20 years of experience in the training and development arena, and we are proud to have them work in partnership with us here at the Federation. We offer the following:
■ Soft skills trainings;
■ Compliance trainings;
■ Industrial relations trainings;
■ Human resources trainings;
■ Leadership trainings;
■ Technical trainings;
■ In-house trainings; and
■ Mentorship
My focus in this edition is on soft skills trainings. Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterise a person’s relationships with other people. Sociologists may use the term “soft skills” to describe a person’s emotional intelligence quotient (EQ).
Soft skills include attributes and personality traits that help employees interact with others and succeed in the workplace. Examples of soft skills include the ability to communicate with prospective clients, mentor your co-workers, lead a team, negotiate a contract, follow instructions, and get a job done on time. These are characteristics that can be carried over to any position.
Soft skills benefit businesses when they are practiced on a company-wide basis. For example, a collaborative spirit among workers is important. Team members who are able to work well with people of different generations and backgrounds are generally more productive and better able to focus on common priorities. Efficiency and output improve when workers collaborate by sharing knowledge and tools to get jobs done. The ability to learn new methods and technologies is also a desired soft skill for all workers.
Companies that value learning as a soft skill recognise various learning styles and encourage workers to pursue the methods that work best for them. Good troubleshooting is a soft skill that also is valuable to companies. For example, companies can operate more efficiently and increase productivity when all workers know how to troubleshoot software problems instead of relying on the information technology (IT) department for every fix.
Soft skills courses offered at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation are in relation to capacity building such as leadership, time management, customer services, front office management, changing work culture, sexual harassment, mental health, emotional intelligence to name a few. These courses introduce the members with a process that starts from within the organisation and is vital for its health, resilience, and continuity.
Attending our trainings is not a one-time effort for our members, but a continuous improvement strategy to assist them towards the creation of a sustainable and effective organisation. Hence once members gain access to one of our trainings, they constantly encourage their employees to part take in our other valuable trainings.
We strongly encourage you to come and be part of this opportune learning platform to get skilled on competency-based trainings we have to offer. Leaders, continuously encourage your team to grab opportunities for leaning and development as success of your team is measured on a collective contribution towards the strategic goals of your organisation.
The training unit at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation tailor-makes and delivers trainings in alignment with the needs of its members also.
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) is more than just an organisation; it is a driving force behind the economic prosperity of businesses in Fiji. By joining FCEF, businesses gain a voice in policy formulation, access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and representation in critical matters. FCEF’s unwavering commitment to the private sector’s well-being is evident in its multifaceted approach to support and advocacy.
If you are a business looking to thrive and make a meaningful impact in Fiji’s business landscape, consider joining FCEF. For more information on FCEF membership and the array of benefits it offers including trainings, do not hesitate to contact the secretariat on 3313188 or email employer@ fcef.com.fj. The dedicated team at FCEF is ready to assist you in realising your business goals and contributing to Fiji’s economic growth.