FBC News 
[Supplied]
A $14 million career centre will be established to address skills gaps within the manufacturing and maritime sectors.
FIJI Water and Neptune Pacific have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fiji National University to deliver the training, says Career Centre Director Carol Watkins.
She says the skills gap was identified during stakeholder partnership discussions.
“This year, the focus is foundation-building. We have already begun delivering training across key areas, including manufacturing fundamentals, maritime safety, and forklift operations, to train over 300 employees by the end of the year. In 2027, the Career Centre transitions into an institutionalised national model delivered through FNU. And in 2028, the aim is internationally recognised certification.”
The California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Training Ship – Golden Bear’s visit last week marked an important milestone in the growing partnership between Cal Poly, FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific, FNU, the Ministry of National Planning, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and the US Embassy.
The vessel’s visit provided an opportunity for the partners to come together for a joint mini summit which explored future collaboration in maritime training, workforce development and industry-aligned career pathways.
FNU Vice Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, acknowledged 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,”.
