Fiji needs to have technical colleges to train every Fijian to be qualified in their own areas of work.

Government had announced in its 2015 budget it will set up 3 sets of technical colleges next year and intends to establish another 10 in 2016.

Speaking on FBC TV’s 4 the record last night, Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says these technical colleges will offer one year courses that can be later pursued at diplomas and degree levels.

Obviously not all students want to go to university, some want to go on later in life but some want to work soon after they leave high school so we need to give them a quality education to give them the skill set.

Sayed Khaiyum says this is one of the best ways to replace foreigners brought in to Fiji to work in areas where Fijians have lacked qualification.

Government has allocated $7m for the set up of technical colleges next year.