Most people in Fiji’s labour force have completed secondary education, highlighting the key role of basic schooling in preparing people for employment.
Data from the Employment and Unemployment Survey 2023–2024 shows that 58.4 percent of the labour force had completed secondary education, making it the most common level of educational attainment among workers.
The survey also found that 25.6 percent of the labour force had attained tertiary education, reflecting growing access to higher education and its increasing importance in labour market participation.
Meanwhile, 49,072 people in the labour force had completed only primary education, indicating that a smaller share of workers rely on basic schooling alone.
Regionally, the Central and Western divisions recorded the largest labour force numbers, with 141,912 people in the Central Division and 125,425 in the Western Division. The Northern Division recorded 34,804 workers, while the Eastern Division had 12,757.
Overall, Fiji’s working-age population (15 years and above) stood at 614,832, with 314,898 people participating in the labour force, resulting in a national labour force participation rate of 51.2 percent.
The survey also highlighted differences by age group, with participation highest among adults aged 25–64 years, where the national labour force participation rate stood at 62.7 percent. In contrast, participation among youth aged 15–24 years was lower at 29.3 percent.
Officials say the data highlights the continuing importance of secondary education in preparing people for employment, while also reflecting the growing role of tertiary education in Fiji’s labour market.
