Fiji Needs Skilled Tradespeople
The Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s had ealier mentioned that Fiji lacked skilled carpenters and was a serious statement that needed to be heeded. This message was reiterated again by Sailasa Tora who graduated with a Certificate III in Carpentry from the Australia-Pacific Technical College in Nadi yesterday.
“Fiji needed carpenters who were not only qualified but had the belief to maintain the standard that was needed,” Mr Tora said. “So when Mr Sayed-Khaiyum mentioned this it was a serious statement.”
Mr Tora said the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston brought into question the amount of skills that Fiji had.
Some companies had to look abroad like the Philippines and Indonesia to bring in skilled carpenters and other workers.
“I am from Koro Island and I did not wait for the Government to spoon feed me. “I worked hard with my studies to attain this qualification.
“What this will come down to is people looking at us as putting that important nail that would stabilise the homes before any cyclones. “We must be up to part with that and give our best.” Mr Tora said he had learned a lot from APTC’s carpentry programme because it has provided him with the opportunity to look for a well paid job, whether it be in Fiji or abroad.
The Nadroga colts rep said he wanted to be skilled in something so that he had the means to earn for his family should he end his rugby career.
Philip Mataka
Another graduate, Philip Mataka said his carpentry qualifications will give him a second option if he tries to make a name for himself in rugby.
The Nadroga colts rep said he wanted to be skilled in something so that he had the means to earn for his family should he end his rugby career.
“At least when I retire from sports and I am back in the village, I know that I have with me the qualifications to at least continue earning for my family.” Koro aims to be the best Waisea Koro from Yaqeta in the Yasawa Group knows he can bring about more good changes in the hospitality industry. “APTC has given me confidence,” Mr Koro said. He was one of six students who graduated yesterday with Certificate III in Hospitality.
“I was working at a call centre for about four years but I always had a passion for the hospitality industry and decided to enroll with APTC.
“This has opened up a lot of things for me and has made me aware of the need of productivity.
“The intense training has really lifted me to where I am today and has made a difference in me.”
Mr Koro, 40, said it was a huge challenge but APTC had up-skilled them to be marketable.
He is the second youngest in a family of five and having lost his parents he said he needed to be there for his siblings and at the same time stamp his name in the industry.
“I will be looking at entering in the food and beverage department of any hotel and resort.
“My aim is to one day become a manger for food and beverage and be the best, especially when the tourism industry has branched out into the ‘Wow’ factor. “It’s amazing what we have learnt so far and this is what will see me through to achieve my goal,” he said.