GOVERNMENT is stepping up efforts to train and retain local workers to address skills shortages across key industries, including construction, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Filimoni Vosarogo told Parliament yesterday that developing Fiji’s workforce was essential to national economic growth, productivity and long-term prosperity.
He said some industries continued to struggle to recruit and retain workers with the right qualifications, technical skills and practical experience, resulting in project delays, higher business costs and reduced productivity.
He said the Government was working with training institutions, including the Fiji National University, to strengthen technical and vocational education and align training programmes with industry requirements.
“We must encourage more young people to pursue technical and vocational qualification that leads directly to employment,” he said.
Mr Vosarogo said electricians, mechanics, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators and hospitality professionals were among the skilled workers needed to support the country’s development.
“We must build a workforce that meets the current needs of our economy while preparing our people for the employment opportunities for the future.
“The government is committed to addressing this challenge through a coordinated approach that places local workers at the centre of our economic development agenda.
“The first and most important measure is investing in the development of our people.
“We cannot sustainably address skills shortages if we do not systematically develop the skills of our own workforce.”
Highlighting the demand ahead, Mr Vosarogo said planned hotel developments would require more construction workers, hospitality staff and agricultural suppliers.
The Government’s aim, he said, was to better align education, vocational training and workforce planning with the demands of the economy.
