Vosarogo urges skills training and worker retention

Investing in skills training must go hand in hand with better employment opportunities and working conditions to keep skilled workers in Fiji, Minister Filimoni Vosarogo told Parliament.

Vosarogo said strengthening local skills and creating career pathways were key to addressing workforce shortages and supporting long-term economic growth.

He highlighted technical and vocational education, apprenticeships, internships and workplace training as priorities, particularly in construction, tourism, agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing.

“It is of little benefit to invest in training our people if we cannot provide employment opportunities and working environments that encourage them to remain in the country, develop their careers and contribute their expertise,” he said.

Vosarogo stressed the importance of improving wages, working conditions and career advancement opportunities to encourage qualified workers to stay.

He also urged employers to recognise technical and vocational qualifications as valuable career pathways and give younger workers opportunities to learn from experienced professionals through mentoring and skills transfer.

He said developing a skilled and sustainable local workforce would support businesses, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to Fiji’s economic development.