STRENGTHENING maritime training in Fiji emerged as a key focus during the visit of the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Training Ship – Golden Bear this month.
The visit brought together education, industry, government and international partners to explore future opportunities for workforce development and skills training.
The vessel’s visit marked an important milestone in the growing partnership between Cal Poly, FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific, Fiji National University (FNU), the Ministry of National Planning, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and the US Embassy.
A joint mini summit held during the visit provided a platform for discussions on future collaboration in maritime training, workforce development and industry-aligned career pathways.
According to a joint statement, the summit built on relationships established during the FIJI Water and Neptune Pacific Career Centre Summit in California last year, where representatives from FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific and FNU visited Cal Poly to discuss opportunities for international engagement and skills development.
The statement highlighted that among the key areas discussed were strengthening maritime training in Fiji through potential train-the-trainer support, cadet pathways, international exposure opportunities and ways to better align local training with international standards.
“We acknowledge the contribution of all key stakeholders to support this important dialogue. Partnerships between education, industry, government and international institutions are critical to ensuring Fiji’s training programs continue to respond to the needs of our people, our industries and our national development priorities,” said FNU Vice Chancellor, Unaisi Nabobo-baba.
The outcomes of the summit will help guide future discussions between the Career Centre, Cal Poly, FNU, government and industry partners, with several priority areas identified for further exploration.
Director Career Centre, Carol Watkins, said stakeholder engagement had highlighted a gap between skills being developed and those required in practice, particularly in the manufacturing and maritime sectors.
“It was via our stakeholder partnerships and discussions that we identified the gap between the skills being developed and the skills needed in practice, particularly within the manufacturing and maritime sectors,” Ms Watkins said.
“That is why last year, an MOA was signed between FIJI Water, Fiji National University and Neptune Pacific to establish a $14 million dollar Career Centre.
“The Centre was created as a solution which strengthens industry-aligned skills training and workforce development in Fiji.”
She added that the Career Centre has begun delivering training in manufacturing fundamentals, maritime safety and forklift operations, with a target of training more than 300 employees by year-end.
Cal Poly Professor Dawn Neill said the mini summit reflected a shared commitment to strengthening maritime education and supporting industry-relevant training.
“This collaboration is about stewardship, partnership and building long-term capability,” Professor Neil said.
“We look forward to continuing discussions on how we can work together to innovate programs, review training pathways, connect learning to employment opportunities, build capacity and support practical, phased industry engagement.”
A joint mini summit held during the visit provided a platform for discussions on future collaboration in maritime training, workforce development and industry-aligned career pathways. Picture: SUPPLIED
Strengthening maritime training in Fiji emerged as a key focus during the visit of the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Training Ship, the Golden Bear this month.
Picture: THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
