More than 70 students from Pacific Polytech’s Labasa Campus have officially entered Fiji’s workforce pipeline after graduating in key technical and vocational disciplines identified as critical to the country’s growing development needs.

The graduates, drawn from Cohort 5, completed training in Automotive Engineering, Carpentry, Electrical Fitter Mechanics, Plumbing and Sheetmetal, Office Technology, Personalised Aged Care, and Agriculture during a ceremony held at the Labasa Civic Centre.

The event marked a significant milestone for the institution and for Fiji’s broader efforts to strengthen its skilled labour force amid increasing demand for technical professionals across both public and private sectors.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Mosese Bulitavu commended the graduates for their dedication, noting that their achievement comes at a time when Fiji is facing a pronounced shortage of skilled workers in several key industries.

He referenced findings from the recently launched National Skills Gap Assessment Survey, which identified critical shortages in occupations such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, healthcare workers, engineers, and agricultural specialists.

“These graduates are stepping into sectors where their skills are not only needed but urgently required. Their contribution will be vital in supporting national development, especially as Government continues to invest in infrastructure and essential services across rural and maritime areas,” said Bulitavu.

The Minister emphasized that vocational education remains a cornerstone of Fiji’s development strategy, particularly as the country expands infrastructure projects and seeks to improve service delivery in remote and underserved communities.

He encouraged graduates to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing job market, urging them to embrace lifelong learning and strengthen their digital literacy skills to remain competitive.

“In today’s world, skills alone are not enough. Continuous learning and the ability to adapt to new technologies will define long-term success in the workforce,” he added.

Educators at Pacific Polytech said the graduation reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to producing job-ready graduates equipped with practical skills aligned to market demand. They noted that partnerships with industry stakeholders have helped shape training programmes that respond directly to national labour needs.

Parents and guardians who attended the ceremony expressed pride and relief, describing the graduation as a life-changing achievement for their families. Many said the qualifications would open doors to stable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the graduates.

The ceremony also highlighted the growing importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in addressing unemployment and bridging the gap between education and industry requirements in Fiji.

As the graduates prepare to enter the workforce, expectations remain high that their skills will contribute meaningfully to national development, particularly in construction, healthcare, agriculture, and essential services.

The government has reiterated its commitment to expanding skills training programmes and strengthening collaboration with institutions like Pacific Polytech to ensure that future graduates are fully aligned with the country’s economic priorities.