Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Fiji (Ratification: 2013)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes on vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Education is responsible for coordinating technical vocational education and training (TVET) and technology employment skills training (TEST) at the national level. Both the TVET and TEST are integrated into the secondary school curriculum. The Higher Education Commission, which has been in operation since 2009, regulates higher education institutions and vocational training centres, establishes national standards for different qualifications and advises on ways of developing higher education. The Government also indicates that the Ministry of Education has been implementing vocational training programmes which cover self-employment, paid employment and rural work. The National Employment Centre is responsible for coordination with vocational training institutions to ensure quality vocational training for the unemployed. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the policies and programmes on vocational training and vocational guidance that have been adopted. Please also indicate how these policies and programmes are linked with the national employment objectives and coordinated with public employment services.

Article 3. Vocational training and guidance for vulnerable groups. The Government indicates that the Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities provides courses adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on vocational training and vocational guidance programmes targeting young persons and adults, as well as other people with nationally identified special needs (see paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Article 4. Lifelong learning. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Education is responsible for developing and reviewing the content of technology employment skills training. Life-skills training is provided by the National Employment Centre. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the measures adopted to ensure that vocational training programmes cover different fields of the economy and are adapted to the changing requirements of the individuals throughout their lives.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that the Fiji Commerce and Employers’ Federation and the Fiji Trade Union Congress are involved in the development of initiatives to enhance technical and vocational training for children in the context of a major project for the elimination of child labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which employers’ and workers’ organizations cooperate in the formulation and implementation of vocational training and vocational guidance policies and programmes. Please describe any procedure or consultative machinery that has been established for this purpose.