The Higher Education Commission Fiji is in talks with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to discuss further training opportunities for youths in trade fields.
Commission chairman Steve Chand said this to representatives of provincial councils during a consultation in Suva yesterday.
“We have met with RFMF to discuss the opportunity of training the youths on their premises and they have given us their blessing,” he said.
With this initiative, Mr Chand added the youths will not only learn some level of discipline in their lives but also a skill or trade.
“We have secured the services of the RFMF and in due course you will be informed of details.
“Currently RFMF is offering the trade test class 3 from the Fiji National University at their premises in the following areas: carpentry, automotive mechanics, heavy machinery, electrical fitter mechanic and welding.”
Mr Chand also said the commission intended to strengthen this mode of delivery at the RFMF to widen the scope and offer more skills training in hospitality and tourism.
“These new areas are added on because we have realised, these are important segments where skills gaps are, and they have been kind enough to show that they can accommodate us.”
Meanwhile, Mr Chand also shared the organisation has not had any research data on the actual skills gap in the country for a long time.
“We want to change the status quo and embark on a journey to have this research done.
“The lack of data did not deter us from moving forward.We started off by collaborating with key stakeholders who we can form strong partnerships with, and today that is testament to our dream becoming a reality. “We have now gone to the grassroots.”
