More than 2500 graduates in various sectors have been trained and upskilled thanks to a partnership between the Fiji National University (FNU) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) New South Wales.
This was highlighted by FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba during the university’s 25th anniversary celebration with TAFE NSW last week which was held at the Holiday Inn in Suva.
The event was attended by Prof Nabobo-Baba, Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching Dr Jimaima Lako, National Training and Productivity Centre acting director Matereti Naborisi, industry partners and alumni of FNU and TAFE NSW.
TAFE NSW Technology and Business Services Division director Justin Thomas, Global Engagement senior manager Yuan Peng, Business and Training Head Teacher Susan Huntington and Information Technology Head Teacher, Manindar Singh attended the celebration virtually.
Prof Nabobo-Baba emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Over the course of 25 years, we have provided Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 Certificates and Diplomas in over 10 TVET disciplines, and we have jointly graduated over 2,500 students in these areas in the last 25 years, and an additional 75 graduates will join this statistic at our December 2023 graduation ceremony,” she said.
“A key differentiating feature of TAFE NSW programmes in Fiji is that it provides those in employment to leverage their work skills and experience as recognition of current competency and to complete work-based assessments that contribute towards their units of study every semester.”
Pro-VC TVET Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the partnership between the two institutions provided numerous benefits to industry and students.
“Our industry and students have access to studying for an international qualification from the comfort of their own homes, at a fraction of the cost that they would incur if they had to travel and study abroad,” Dr Tagicakiverata said.
“Both institutions benefit by providing a regional and international study pathway, thereby improving collaboration, intensive benchmarking of TVET standards, and the professional development of our academic staff.”
TAFE NSW Business and Training Head Teacher Ms Huntington said the landmark occasion in the TAFE-FNU partnership provided an opportunity to reminisce about past achievements, celebrate the progress made over the years, and look in earnest to the future.
“I have been involved in this partnership since 2014. It is one of the highlights of my professional life,” she said.
“I have had the privilege of witnessing dedicated teachers who play a crucial role in the lives of their students. I have witnessed committed students who overcome many barriers for the opportunity to receive training in the TAFE courses.
“I further note the ability of FNU management and teachers to work with the continuous change in requirements in training packages and associated TAFE processes, always prioritising the best interests of their students and the Fijian industries that support the students’ study whilst meeting the contractual obligations with TAFE.”
