MEREANI Talianaivalu believes that women/girls should get out of their comfort zones and take the challenge of studying and working in fields that were once considered as male-dominated.
The lass from Kabara in Lau, is part of the National Apprenticeship Scheme at the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC).
Ms Talianaivalu yesterday signed up with Aquaheat South Pacific Ltd as an apprentice and will be engaged with the company as an electrical, fitter mechanic and repairer for the next four years.
“I see this as a good opportunity for me to learn the necessary skills that will help me in my career,” she said.
Aquaheat South Pacific Ltd general manager Anusheel Chandra said there were 12 apprentices who would be engaged with the company for the next four years and based on their performance, they would even get the chance to work for their company in New Zealand.
Mr Chandra said he was pleased that at least one female had applied for the program with their company and encouraged other female students to come forward and join the program.
“Our industry is very male-dominated and as a business we promote and encourage more females to come on board and apply for employment with the company,” he said.
Aquaheat is a fairly new business in Fiji with its parent company in New Zealand and Mr Chandra said they had invested heavily in their Fiji business, employing more than 150 locals.
Acknowledging the shortage of skilled labour in the country, Mr Chandra said the apprentice scheme would help the industry stakeholders retain their skilled resources.
NTPC’s manager national trade test, Alvin Lal said the National Apprenticeship Scheme provided continuous on the job training for the apprentices.
Mr Lal said their apprenticeship officers would monitor the apprentices’ performance throughout the years.
