THE National Training and Productivity Centre has not been able to replace staff lost since 2018, says Fiji National University TVET pro vice-chancellor Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata.
Dr Tagicakiverata claimed many staff who had left were upset with the previous government removing the business levy that used to fund its operations.
“The loss of funding had a significant impact, with many staff leaving and none being replaced to this day,” he said.
While speaking in a public consultation in Labasa, he said the levy system, which supported the centre’s work for years, was taken away in what has been described as a dramatic turn of events.
“This change had a significant impact.”
He said the sudden change forced the NTPC to try and operate as a business from 2018 to 2022.
“They tried to be sustainable using a business model.”
He said it may take time to revert back to business orders as they were still recruiting staff.
