Technical institutions

EMPLOYMENT Minister Agni Deo Singh says the Government has supported the revitalisation of technical institutions around Fiji to provide short and medium-term technical training to meet industry needs after FijiFirst party member Hem Chand brought up the issue yesterday regarding the current needs of Fiji’s labour market.

“Having worked in the Ministry of Education, Mr Chand doesn’t even know that there is a thing called non-profit company,” Mr Singh said.

“All schools are privately owned and the Government funded 98 per cent of their costs.

“Even Uni Fiji is registered as a private company, so what is he talking about? Their contempt for some people is driving this stupid agenda.”

Mr Singh said that unlike the previous government’s failed technical colleges, on which almost $30million was spent, technical college Pacific Polytech programs are national qualifications developed by the Fiji Higher Education Commission.

“By July 2024, a total of 1254 students will complete their award program category which 488 students will complete by the end of March and 766 will finish their program by the end of July this year,” Mr Singh said.

“A total of 797 students have completed the Short/ Rapid Basic Skill Development Course and an additional 323 students are in class, while 120 are awaiting commencement.

“The ministry has been working with the stakeholders like the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Services (TSLS) board in the area of priority needs on training and development of the workforce.

“Dropouts are being provided with skills training to work and earn a living.”

The ministry has been working with the stakeholders like the TSLS board in the area of priority needs on training...