THE enrollment trends for older students globally have shown an increase in the percentage of students enrolling for university, college or a vocational training school who are older than 25 years of age
The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Rosy Akbar highlighted this while addressing students enrolled at the Technical College Fiji, Tagitagi Campus last week.
Ms Akbar who was impressed while talking to students said certainly there are still many 15-19 year olds, but the percentage of students who are older than 20 is rising at the same rate as the younger students.
“Congratulations for making a wise choice in getting enrolled in a programme at TCF Tagitagi despite the age barrier to gain qualification for employment. There certainly is no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed of yourself if you’re in your thirties, forties, or even fifties and going back to pursue an education” Ms Akbar said.
Fifty-year-old Taniela Viyalevu said being enrolled in the National Certificate in Electrical Fitter Mechanic has given him hope to pursue his dream job.
“I’m excited about the programme, it’s much easier to be engaged with the programme because it’s something I’m really interested in and want to be doing” Mr Viyalevu said.
Meanwhile, Savenaca Lewatave 40, enrolled in National Certificate II in Baking and Patisserie shared his experience as being nervous going into a classroom where most of the people were going to be in their late teens.
Another student, Nanise Botei, 45 who was enrolled in the same programme is humbled with the opportunity and expressed her appreciation to the Government for providing an opportunity to study through TELS.
The Technical College of Fiji offers programmes for skill development to prepare trainees future employment opportunities for students who have a minimum qualification of Year 10/Form 4 as well as those with no formal qualification but who have relevant work experience.
