There is a greater need for collaboration between govt agencies and academic institutions - Healey

In order to meet the demand for skilled labour in Fiji, there is a greater need for collaboration between government agencies and academic institutions as a major step towards a better understanding of the demand.

This is one of the key outcomes of the three‑hour Talanoa session which was attended by senior management from FNU and key stakeholder partners from Government Ministries, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board as well as representatives from the private sector, hosted by Nasese FNU Campus.

During his presentation, FNU Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey says it is important for key partners to work in harmony in order to address the gaps.

Healey says it is critical that FNU invests its resources in university programmes which meet the needs of employers today and in the future.

He says the labour market in Fiji is changing rapidly and new industries and sectors are emerging adding that to help FNU develop programmes to meet the future needs of employers, they needed to hear from their partners and business leaders. 

He adds the various employers’ organisations like the Fiji Commerce and Employers are actively planning the future labour market.

Healey also reiterated that educating the nation’s population is the key to Fiji’s continued economic success.