For 57 trainees, months of technical training have opened the door to new skills and opportunities, following their graduation from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Engineers Regiment Trade Training School.

The 1/25 Trade Training School class graduated on Friday, 11 September 2026, at the Engineers Regiment grounds after successfully completing technical courses in carpentry, block laying and plastering.

The graduation brought together the trainees, their families and friends, along with instructors from Fiji National University who carried out the final assessments. Australian Defence Force Defence Adviser to Fiji, Colonel Henry Stimson, was the Chief Guest.

In his address, Colonel Stimson reminded the graduates of the Trade Training School’s longstanding purpose, tracing its vision back to 2 August 1974 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

He congratulated the trainees for their commitment and perseverance throughout the course and acknowledged the efforts of the Engineers Regiment and FNU instructors in delivering the training.

Colonel Stimson said the programme had equipped the graduates with practical knowledge and technical abilities that could provide a foundation for future opportunities.

Among the graduates was 23-year-old Sapper Veniana Caumatalevu of Navisara, Burebasaga, Rewa, who made history as the first female trainee to win the Best Trainee in Carpentry Award at the Trade Training School.

With maternal links to Vatukarasa, Conua, Nadroga, Spr Caumatalevu completed her secondary education at Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College before joining the RFMF.

Her achievement comes as women continue to take up opportunities in technical and trade-based training within the military.

For Spr Caumatalevu, however, the path to the award came with its own challenges.

She said adjusting to working and interacting with male trainees in a traditionally male-dominated environment tested her, but ultimately gave her greater motivation to succeed.

“It doesn’t hold me back; it challenges me to keep moving forward to succeed,” she said.

One of five siblings, Spr Caumatalevu credited her mother, who raised the family as a single parent, for providing the support and making sacrifices that helped her reach the milestone.

She also acknowledged the Trade Training School instructors for their guidance, commitment and sacrifices throughout the course.

The graduation marks another step in the Engineers Regiment’s efforts, together with its training partners, to develop technically capable personnel.

The skills gained through the programme are intended to give graduates practical abilities that can be applied in their military careers and contribute to wider community and national development.