Encouraging Females to Join Apprenticeship Training
THE BEST REASON FOR YOUNG WOMEN TO ENTER THE TRADES IS THAT THEY SUCCEED WITHIN THEM.
■
With a looming shortage of skilled trade workers, many industries have realized it’s time to get past the stereotypes and employ a more diverse workforce. In trades where the demand for skilled workers is highest, companies are actively recruiting women to fill open positions. The best reason for young women to enter the trades is that they succeed within them.
Currently, nearly 10 percent of apprentices are women in Fiji. And the number of women graduates joining the apprenticeship training scheme is gradually rising over the past years. The target for National Training and Productivity Centre’s National Apprenticeship Training Department is to increase the number of female apprentices to 15 percent by end of next year.
Some companies have recently added women apprentices to their list, including Aquaheat South Pacific Limited which recruited two women apprentices. Other companies that have also recruited female Apprentices are Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) PTE Ltd, Fiji Sugar Corporation, Southern Cross Foods Pte Ltd, Energy Fiji Ltd, Niranjans Autoport Pte Ltd, Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited, Natural Waters of Viti Limited, Serendib Investment Pte Ltd and Wormald Fire and Security.
Apprentice’s Story - Selina Moce
Selina Moce is a first-year apprentice at Aquaheat South Pacific Limited in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration trade. According to Moce, she chose the Apprenticeship Training Program to learn something new and broaden her knowledge about the different trades. “I took up apprenticeship because of the benefits it offers; I study, I work and I earn an income,” Moce said. “It is exciting as well as challenging because I am learning to juggle study and work but am finding the journey interesting and rewarding.”
A former Suva Grammar High School student, Moce, hails from Bau, Tailevu, with maternal links to the Solomon Islands. Her message to others who are interested in joining the Apprenticeship Training Program is to be open-minded and bold, be a team player and most importantly be physically fit. “Do not be scared and step out of your comfort zone,” Moce said. She wants to empower young women, and men to join the various trade fields. “Apprentices are exposed to the technology in the industry early into their careers. We can easily adapt to the changing technologies and learn at a faster rate. In the apprenticeship journey, we can apply the theoretical knowledge to the skills required at the workplace.” Moce was inspired by her relative who recently completed a course in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Trade with NTPC, thus, following in her footsteps. She aims to complete her Apprenticeship Program and graduate as a qualified tradeswoman. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing touch rugby as she feels it is a good way to unwind and de-stress.
Apprentice’s Story - Ashnita Deepti
Ashnita Deepti Chand is also a first-year Electrical Fitter Mechanic Apprentice with Aquaheat South Pacific Limited. She was studying Bachelor of Environmental Science before becoming an Apprentice.
Originally from Rakiraki and a Penang Sangam High School alumna , Chand comes from a family where most of her male relatives are excelling in trade professions for instance her brother, who is an apprenticeship alumnus and currently working as a fitter mechanic at Nabou Green Energy Limited. For Chand, no work is classified as a men’s or women’s job.
“Both genders can do any type of work if one’s ambition is to succeed,” commented Chand .
“I enjoy fieldwork and the exposure I get as an apprentice helps me understand better my job and also shapes up my career aspirations.I would like to thank my supervisors and colleagues for the support and encouragement as they are always ready to teach and assist me in my work.”
Chand is passionate about dancing, travelling and playing soccer.
Her message to females interested in joining trade work is to break the barriers and grab the opportunities they come across. “It is important to enjoy and be passionate about your job, things will eventually work in your favour,” she said. National Apprenticeship Scheme
The Apprenticeship Scheme is a tripartite agreement between the apprentice, the employer, and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC). It is a systematic training program which combines classroom-based learning and hands-on practical training.
The scheme began in 1963. Over the last 59 years, more than 8800 apprentices have successfully completed their apprenticeship term. For three to four years, the apprentices are supervised and instructed by competent industry specialists and it allows the apprentice to be paid as an employee while learning and studying. The unique skills learnt on the job are of great benefit not only to an individual but also to the industry across Fiji and the region.
The scheme offers 22 Trade lev
National
el and 7 Technician Level programmes which are Certificate IV and Diploma programmes respectively.
The National Apprenticeship Scheme is a tripartite agreement between the apprentice, the employer, and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC). It is a systematic training program which combines classroombased learning and hands-on practical training.
Apprenticeship offers practical
hands-on
The apprenticeship scheme has its place in the industry workforce as it involves the transfer of knowledge and skills from one generation or line of skills experts to another as not all knowledge and skills can be simply communicated or written down. Because apprenticeship is a learning process, it necessitates the acquisition of specialised skills and knowledge that cannot be found in a library, accessed via the internet, or communicated in any other way via the media. Such skills and knowledge cannot be transmitted directly but requires the active participation of the learner.
The Apprenticeship programme provides practical real work-based industry training, thus, making apprentices work-ready. Students work under experienced and qualified professionals who provide guidance and direction on work ethics, and technicalities. Apprentices are also awarded work-free hours to attend the mandatory theory classes offered at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and Do not In Any wAy rEflECt or rEprEsent the position of the Fiji National University.