Fiji is facing a growing skills crisis as industries struggle to find qualified workers while many university graduates remain unemployed, Opposition MP Hem Chand told Parliament on Monday.
Speaking during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate, Mr Chand said the country’s workforce challenges reflected a mismatch between education outcomes and the needs of the economy.
“Employers across construction, tourism, manufacturing, transport, agriculture and essential services consistently report shortages of skilled tradespeople,” he said.
“At the same time, many university graduates struggle to find employment in their chosen fields.
“This mismatch demonstrates that our education system is no longer fully aligned with the needs of our economy.”
Mr Chand said Fiji did not have an education crisis but rather a skills alignment problem that required urgent attention.
He called for greater investment in technical and vocational education and training, saying skilled trades should be central to national development.
Mr Chand raised concerns about the continued migration of skilled Fijians, saying better opportunities abroad were attracting workers.
“It is heartbreaking to see our best people leave the country. Fiji’s economy cannot continue to rely on importing skills while exporting many of its own trained workers.”
He urged Government to take action to address skills shortages and create better employment opportunities for Fijians.
