After completing his secondary school education, Fiji National University (FNU) graduate Monal Chandra wanted to ensure that he pursues a career in the field which provides him with life-long skills.
When a friend, recommended Certificate IV in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Chandra instantly decided to enrol at FNU.
The 32-year-old, from Nausori, said this field has always appealed to him, and getting the right direction on where he can obtain formal education and training, was advantageous.
“Given the high demand for a skilled tradesperson, I knew a career in this field would be easier and quicker to secure employment,” said Chandra.
He studied at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST).
“FNU allowed me to learn the foundation of refrigeration and air-conditioning. I had a great experience during practical classes and fieldwork. Working on numerous projects meant learning new things each day, and it was fun and exciting at the same time,” he stated.
Chandra dived into the world of trade during his University days, completing his practical work attachment at the Lincoln Refrigeration in Lautoka and later he secured a full-time job with Benz Refrigeration following which he joined the Viti Air-conditioning works as an Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician.
“I have been very proactive in looking for work experience, to gain an insight into the working world and develop my skills and practical knowledge. I worked at different companies where I was able to engage and learn from different sets of people.”
He later resigned to join the Motibhai Group of Companies, where he worked for almost two years. Presently, in a different field than refrigeration and air-conditioning, Chandra works in the Administrative Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nausori Office.
Despite the transition into a different job altogether, Chandra said the skills and experience he acquired at the university, is a lifelong treasure.
“There are endless opportunities in this field. I would like to explore a lot more in the field of refrigeration and air-conditioning in future and excel in this area,” mentioned the FNU graduate.
Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alipate Gonerogo said the Certificate IV in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning has over the years gained a strong reputation locally as well as in neighbouring countries Australia and New Zealand.
“There is an increasing demand for qualified tradespeople and HVAC is no exception. We receive enquiries from employers in both these countries who are interested in offering employment to graduates,” said Gonerogo.
“The programme is an exciting learning experience for students, and we have all the required equipment and tools at our workshop to teach our students,” he said.
Following the completion of the programme, the students are required to apply for licensing from the Department of Environment.
Students completing or have completed Year 12 or 13 also have the opportunity to undergo studies in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course at FNU through the 5,000 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) placements.
Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Trade Diploma level qualifications. Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a maximum mark of 200/400 or completed Level 1 and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji.
Prospective students can choose from a wide range of TVET courses offered by the University in various fields of study, including Engineering, Medical, Tourism and Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, Fashion and Design, Cooking and Patisserie, Carpentry, Construction, Graphic Arts and Design, Film and Television Production, Hairdressing, Automotive, Electrical and Electronics.
For more information regarding our TVET Pasifika programmes, the 5000 available TSLS placements and the FNU and TSLS application process, visit our website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/tvetpasifika/ or contact our outreach team via email at outreach@fnu.ac.fj.
