The National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) would be able to collect relevant skills gap data from a large number of organisations from all sectors and industries in Fiji during the month long 2022 Industry and Community Discussion Forum (ICDF).
This was according to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) at Fiji National University, Professor Lisa Harrison, during the virtual launch yesterday.
“The team uses this information to upgrade and create new short course that meet industries up-skilling and re-skilling needs,” she said.
NTPC director Isimeli Tagicakiverata said their focus was to reach out and have a conversation with their stakeholders, customers as well as their industry partners.
“The ICDF is held every year and the NTPC team is grossly involved, meeting and discussing skills training needs with business leader’s employees, men and women in the workforce.
“The main aim of this forum is to gather information on industry and stakeholders training needs.
“This allows us to better plan our courses to meet the ever changing needs of employers and employees from a wide range of sectors including big corporations and non-profit organisations as well as small and medium sized enterprises or SMEs, including individuals who are exploring means to sustain their livelihoods.”
He said in the past two years it was all about adapting to the new normal. This included employees working remotely from homes and for many people they had ventured into small businesses after losing their jobs because of the pandemic.
“Training needs of organisations have also changed or shifted drastically around the world and Fiji being a developing country experienced the same.
“The good news is this year the trend has changed slowly and international travel has resumed.
“Tourism sector is operational again and many businesses are slowly operating again, so there is a sense of urgency in order for organisations to compete, to being sustainable in the new normal, there is an accelerated demand for employee upscaling and re-skilling.”
Mr Tagicakiverata said the ICDF gave them an opportunity to talk with their stakeholders about short term and long term plans as well as training needs. This year NTPC was stated to hold virtual discussion and visit various industries as well as organisations, businesses and SMEs in the country.
“We want to hear from everyone regardless of how big or small the business is, regardless whether you are located in the central business district or as far away as Levuka or Kadavu, whether you are operating a canteen from home or running an import or export business. “We want to hear from everybody what skills people need,” he added.
