New skills gained by FIJI Water staff will contribute towards improving workplace productivity

Knowing the benefits of a better education Mohammed Janif had always dreamed of graduating from a tertiary institution.

On Wednesday, the 38-year-old was one of the 14 FIJI Water Limited employees beaming with smiles at the Australia-Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) graduation ceremony at the Novotel in Nadi on Wednesday.

He was among 18 students who graduated  from the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Machining) programme.

Mr Janif, who works as a fitter machinist, is the sole bread winner in his small close knit family that includes three children.

“The Importance of this graduation means a lot to me,” he said.

“I had a dream to pursue more education at tertiary level and this company has given me a chance. I’m extra thankful the company paid for everything.

“This is my 10th year at the plant. I am proud to be working for an internationally renowned company because people respect us when we are out elsewhere. They call Fiji water as Gold water.

“My certificate will help me to operate and maintain machines as required by company.”

Originally from Namosau, in Ba, Mr Janif, apart from operating machines is a multi-skilled worker.

He attended AD Patel College and then worked at Nestle for nine years before he got a job at FIJI Water in 2010.

“The knowledge gained from the course will help enhance our work by improving our skills in operating and maintaining our machines,” , Mr Janif said.

Under a partnership arrangement, APTC had conducted training for FIJI Water employees at their workplace over a span of two years.

FIJI Water director production, Michael Lynch, said employees had greatly benefitted from APTC’s high quality training.

He added the new skills gained by Fiji Water staff would contribute towards improving workplace productivity.

The 51 new graduates received certificates in 12 programmes including applied fashion design and technology, carpentry, commercial cookery, electro-technology
electrician, fabrication trade, mechanical trade (diesel fitting), machining, hospitality, individual support, light vehicle mechanical technology, plumbing, and wall and floor tiling.

Fiji Higher Education Commission director, Linda Aumua, urged them to use their newfound skills and knowledge to contribute to their workplaces in innovative ways.

She added that FHEC was proud to support APTC’s continued efforts to upskill the national workforce through TVET.

APTC and FHEC have been
collaborating on building TVET capacity by providing professional development opportunities such as the Australian Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and National Certificate IV in Teaching of TVET.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, also
congratulated and encouraged students to utilise fully their new skills.

“Australia is proud of the partnerships that APTC has formed across the Pacific, including with the Fiji Higher Education Commission,” he said.

“To the graduands, seize opportunities that come your way so you can create positive changes in your life, the welfare of your family and enrich your community.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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