THE Education Ministry has saluted the efforts of Outsource Fiji and other stakeholders for reinforcing the need to prioritise programs aimed at empowering youths.
Assistant Minister Iliesa Vanawalu told secondary school students at the Outsource Fiji job fair at Suva’s Albert Park this week that such initiative equipped young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the future.
The fair exhibitors featured Mindpearl Fiji, RCL Services Pte Ltd and Bula Outsourcing Fiji.
“Today’s event reaffirms that we should foster partnerships between educational institutions, the private sector and government agencies, enabling our young people to gain practical experience and exposure to the corporate world,” he said.
“By connecting our students with professionals and providing internships, apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities, we can bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce.”
Mr Vanawalu said this was a reflection of the ministry’s solid collaboration with the private sector while also empowering the vision of the Coalition Government.
“The world is changing fast, and so are the skills required in the workplace.
“Make a commitment to continuous learning, up-skill and re-skill to stay competitive.
“Build connections that can open doors to future opportunities. The people you meet today could be your mentors, colleagues, or even friends down the line.”
Education Ministry senior education officer Naomi Tiko said most students asked about the availability of holiday jobs since the school break would be a few weeks away.
“So, with this job fair we always find out that students know more about what is needed in the workforce after attending these job fairs,” she said.
“This sort of gets them to be well-versed in the requirements before they enter the workforce.”
