Interested and eligible students are encouraged to apply for a fully-funded short course offered at the Fiji National University by Friday, 16 September 2022. 

The two-week short courses are funded by the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) through the Fijian Government’s Skills Qualification Scheme. FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt said the short courses would provide students with the skills set needed to address the growing needs of the construction industry.

“Given the industry’s socioeconomic importance in post-COVD economic recovery, the construction sector has a huge demand for a workforce with various specialised skills,” Professor Karstadt said.

“The short courses funded by TSLS will be undertaken at FNU’s, National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) and students can choose to undertake one of eight courses.” “The eight courses on offer are in the fields of Plastering, Block Laying, Tile Laying, Painting and Decorating, Sheetmetal Works, Basic Furniture Making, Basic Plumbing and Construction Fundamentals.” 

Prof Karstadt emphasised that interested students will need to immediately apply to undertake the short course of their choice at FNU. “It is important that students apply now as they will need the Offer Letter from FNU as part of their application to TSLS to qualify for the scheme.” 

“There are 200 awards available via TSLS and we encourage Fijians to take advantage of the opportunity to reskill or upskill themselves in the construction field.” Eligible applicants must be a Fijian citizen, resided in Fiji for the past three years and completed and passed Year 13 with a minimum of 250 marks.

Alternatively, those who have completed and passed Year 12 with a minimum of 270 marks can also apply for the scheme.