--- title: Fijians Get Hands-On Skills Boost to Tackle Job Market Challenges description: Fijians Get Hands-On Skills Boost to Tackle Job Market Challenges image: https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Photo%204%20-%20Microcredential%20participants%20in%20training.jpg --- [![APTC-Logo+Title+AustAid-colour](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Brand/APTC-Logo+Title+AustAid-colour.svg "APTC-Logo+Title+AustAid-colour")](https://aptc.edu.au/) [![APTC-Logo+AustAid-colour](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Brand/APTC-Logo+AustAid-colour.svg "APTC-Logo+AustAid-colour")](https://aptc.edu.au/) - [Who we are](https://aptc.edu.au) - [Our Performance](https://aptc.edu.au/our-performance) - [APTC Locations](https://aptc.edu.au/locations) - [Fiji Islands](https://aptc.edu.au/fiji-islands-regional-head-offic) - [Papua New Guinea](https://aptc.edu.au/papua-new-guinea-country-office) - [Samoa](https://aptc.edu.au/samoa-country-office) - [Kiribati](https://aptc.edu.au/kiribati-country-contact) - [Solomon Islands](https://aptc.edu.au/solomon-islands-country-offic) - [Vanuatu](https://aptc.edu.au/vanuatu-country-offic) - [Timor-Leste](https://aptc.edu.au/timor-leste-country-contact) - [Tonga](https://aptc.edu.au/tonga-country-contact) - [Nauru](https://aptc.edu.au/nauru-country-contact) - [Tuvalu](https://aptc.edu.au/tuvalu-country-contact) - [Video Gallery](https://aptc.edu.au/video-gallery) - [Enquiries & Feedback](https://aptc.edu.au/feedback) - [What we do](https://aptc.edu.au/what-we-do) - [Australian TVET Qualifications](https://aptc.edu.au/australian-tvet-qualifications) - [Labour Mobility](https://aptc.edu.au/labour-mobility) - [Gender Equity, Disability & Social Inclusion](https://aptc.edu.au/gedsi) - [Skills for Infrastructure](https://aptc.edu.au/skills-for-infrastructure) - [Climate & Disaster Resilience](https://aptc.edu.au/skills-for-climate-and-disaster-resilience) - [Student Services](https://aptc.edu.au/aptc-student-services) - [Alumni Hub](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-hub) - [Alumni Spotlight](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-spotlight) - [Stay Connected](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-update-details) - [Alumni Registration](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-registration) [Jobs Portal](https://aptc.edu.au/aptc-jobs-portal) [Jobs Portal](https://alumnijobs.aptc.edu.au/) More results - [Who we are](https://aptc.edu.au) - [Our Performance](https://aptc.edu.au/our-performance) - [APTC Locations](https://aptc.edu.au/locations) - [Fiji Islands](https://aptc.edu.au/fiji-islands-regional-head-offic) - [Papua New Guinea](https://aptc.edu.au/papua-new-guinea-country-office) - [Samoa](https://aptc.edu.au/samoa-country-office) - [Kiribati](https://aptc.edu.au/kiribati-country-contact) - [Solomon Islands](https://aptc.edu.au/solomon-islands-country-offic) - [Vanuatu](https://aptc.edu.au/vanuatu-country-offic) - [Timor-Leste](https://aptc.edu.au/timor-leste-country-contact) - [Tonga](https://aptc.edu.au/tonga-country-contact) - [Nauru](https://aptc.edu.au/nauru-country-contact) - [Tuvalu](https://aptc.edu.au/tuvalu-country-contact) - [Video Gallery](https://aptc.edu.au/video-gallery) - [Enquiries & Feedback](https://aptc.edu.au/feedback) - [What we do](https://aptc.edu.au/what-we-do) - [Australian TVET Qualifications](https://aptc.edu.au/australian-tvet-qualifications) - [Labour Mobility](https://aptc.edu.au/labour-mobility) - [Gender Equity, Disability & Social Inclusion](https://aptc.edu.au/gedsi) - [Skills for Infrastructure](https://aptc.edu.au/skills-for-infrastructure) - [Climate & Disaster Resilience](https://aptc.edu.au/skills-for-climate-and-disaster-resilience) - [Student Services](https://aptc.edu.au/aptc-student-services) - [Alumni Hub](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-hub) - [Alumni Spotlight](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-spotlight) - [Stay Connected](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-update-details) - [Alumni Registration](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-registration) [Jobs Portal](https://aptc.edu.au/aptc-jobs-portal) [Fiji Islands](https://aptc.edu.au/news/tag/fiji-islands)[Media Releases](https://aptc.edu.au/news/tag/media-releases) # Fijians Get Hands-On Skills Boost to Tackle Job Market Challenges [![APTC Media](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Brand/APTC-Symbol-colour.svg)](https://aptc.edu.au/news/author/media) by [APTC Media](https://aptc.edu.au/news/author/media) 24 February 2025 In a concerted effort to address unemployment and stimulate economic growth in Fiji, a new skills training initiative was introduced recently, providing valuable opportunities for 200 Fijians to enhance their employability in the job market. The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) recently teamed up with Fiji's National Employment Centre (NEC) to deliver the Employment Skills Training (EST) program, providing practical, in-demand skills. The two-week program focused on hands-on, non-accredited short courses in areas with demonstrated industry needs, including basic plumbing, welding, wall and floor tiling, infection control, effective communication, and microcredentials. This directly addresses the skills gap and prepares participants for immediate employment. The first cohort of nearly 50 participants in the central division completed their training and showcased the program's immediate positive impact, paving the way for future success. The collaboration between APTC and NEC showcases a shared commitment to developing Fiji's workforce, strengthening its economy, and empowering individuals. "APTC remains committed to delivering relevant, industry-driven skills that enhance employment outcomes and strengthen the Fijian workforce," APTC Country Director for Fiji and Tuvalu, Gareth McGrath said. "Through our partnership, we’re bridging the skills gap and providing Fijian women and men with the tools they need to succeed. It’s all about creating brighter futures and driving a stronger national economy,” he added. Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations, Mr Jone Maritino Nemani, commended the participants for upskilling and looked forward to their impact on their respective communities. "This partnership with APTC is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people. By providing relevant, industry-driven training, we're not just filling skills gaps, we're building a more resilient and prosperous Fiji for generations to come,” Mr Nemani added. Participant of the training, Ms Anshu Mala expressed her gratitude for the training, which has equipped her with knowledge on how to conduct work professionally, communicate effectively, and improve her workplace performance. “This training will also strengthen our curriculum vitae and increase our chances of finding employment and contributing effectively to Fiji’s economy,” she added. Mr Luke Maisema shared that the training has built his confidence. “I learned welding for the first time, and it was an eye-opening experience. It is quite interesting, so I want to pursue a career in welding and share my knowledge with my community,” he added. The next training sessions are planned for Levuka, and the western and northern divisions in the coming weeks. ![Photo 3 - Welding participants in training 2](https://aptc.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%203%20-%20Welding%20participants%20in%20training%202.jpg?width=1383&height=1269&name=Photo%203%20-%20Welding%20participants%20in%20training%202.jpg) *Photo caption: Welding participants in training * *![Photo 5 - Wall and Floor Tiling participant actively engaging in-class activity-1](https://aptc.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%205%20-%20Wall%20and%20Floor%20Tiling%20participant%20actively%20engaging%20in-class%20activity-1.png?width=2048&height=1536&name=Photo%205%20-%20Wall%20and%20Floor%20Tiling%20participant%20actively%20engaging%20in-class%20activity-1.png)* *Photo caption: Wall and Floor Tiling participant actively engaging in-class activity* *![Photo 1 - Participant, Anshu Mala (in yellow), with other participants of the infection control short course-1](https://aptc.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%201%20-%20Participant%2c%20Anshu%20Mala%20(in%20yellow)%2c%20with%20other%20participants%20of%20the%20infection%20control%20short%20course-1.jpg?width=3751&height=2042&name=Photo%201%20-%20Participant%2c%20Anshu%20Mala%20(in%20yellow)%2c%20with%20other%20participants%20of%20the%20infection%20control%20short%20course-1.jpg)* *Photo caption:  Participant, Anshu Mala (in yellow), with other participants of the infection control short course* *![Photo 6 - Central division cohort with VIP guests during their certificate presentation](https://aptc.edu.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Photo%206%20-%20Central%20division%20cohort%20with%20VIP%20guests%20during%20their%20certificate%20presentation.jpg?width=5129&height=2766&name=Photo%206%20-%20Central%20division%20cohort%20with%20VIP%20guests%20during%20their%20certificate%20presentation.jpg)* *Photo caption:  Central division cohort with VIP guests during their certificate presentation* Share [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://aptc.edu.au/news/fijians-get-hands-on-skills-boost-to-tackle-job-market-challenges&text=Fijians+Get+Hands-On+Skills+Boost+to+Tackle+Job+Market+Challenges) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://aptc.edu.au/news/fijians-get-hands-on-skills-boost-to-tackle-job-market-challenges&t=Fijians+Get+Hands-On+Skills+Boost+to+Tackle+Job+Market+Challenges) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://aptc.edu.au/news/fijians-get-hands-on-skills-boost-to-tackle-job-market-challenges&t=Fijians+Get+Hands-On+Skills+Boost+to+Tackle+Job+Market+Challenges) Previous story [← 117 Tongans Graduate with Australian Qualifications, Boosting Local Skills](https://aptc.edu.au/news/117-tongans-graduate-with-australian-qualifications-boosting-local-skills) Next story [Eighty-nine graduates earn qualifications through APTC →](https://aptc.edu.au/news/eighty-nine-graduates-earn-qualifications-through-aptc) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Welcome to the APTC](https://aptc.edu.au/news/welcome-to-the-aptc) ![](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Unsorted/IMG_0097.jpg) [Media Releases](https://aptc.edu.au/news/tag/media-releases) ### Welcome to the APTC 1 January 2022 [More women graduates to contribute to a skilled Samoan workforce](https://aptc.edu.au/news/latest-news/2023/news/2023/10/18/more-women-graduates-to-contribute-to-a-skilled-samoan-workforce) ![](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/proud-aptc-graduates-celebrate-their-success-with-guests-at-the-graduation-ceremony-in-apia-samoa-1.jpg) [Samoa](https://aptc.edu.au/news/tag/samoa) ### More women graduates to contribute to a skilled Samoan workforce 18 October 2023 [Over 200 Papua New Guineans gain TVET qualifications](https://aptc.edu.au/news/over-200-papua-new-guineans-gain-tvet-qualifications) ![](https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/some-of-the-aptc-png-graduates-during-the-recent-virtual-graduation.jpg) [Impact Stories](https://aptc.edu.au/news/tag/impact-stories) ### Over 200 Papua New Guineans gain TVET qualifications 1 July 2022 #### Subscribe to the latest APTC News & Events. [About](https://aptc.edu.au) [Impact](https://aptc.edu.au/what-we-do) [Partners](https://aptc.edu.au/partnership-hub) [Students](https://aptc.edu.au/student-services) [Alumni](https://aptc.edu.au/alumni-hub) [Locations](https://aptc.edu.au/locations) APTC is an [Australian Government](https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/pacific/development-assistance/education) initiative in partnership with the Pacific & Timor-Leste, implemented by [TAFE Queensland](https://tafeqld.edu.au/). Copyright © 2026 Austalia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). All Rights Reserved. [Terms of Use](http://aptc-24045200.hs-sites.com/terms-of-use) & [Privacy Policy](http://aptc-24045200.hs-sites.com/terms-of-use). Web design by [Koda](https://koda.design). ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "APTC Media", "url" : "https://aptc.edu.au/news/author/media" }, "dateModified" : "2025-02-25T01:59:36.587Z", "datePublished" : "2025-02-25T01:55:53.000Z", "headline" : "Fijians Get Hands-On Skills Boost to Tackle Job Market Challenges", "image" : [ "https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Photo%204%20-%20Microcredential%20participants%20in%20training.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://aptc.edu.au/news/fijians-get-hands-on-skills-boost-to-tackle-job-market-challenges", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://aptc.edu.au/hubfs/Brand/APTC-Logo+AustAid-colour.svg" }, "name" : "Australia Pacific Training Coalition" } } ```