FIJI NATIONAL QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK (FNQF)

This handbook provides the readers an overview of the development of work conducted for the Fiji National Qualification Framework (FNQF), since 2004. The initiative of the Fiji National Qualifications Framework (FNQF) was born with the realization of the need to establish a national qualifications system to address the many problems and situations related to the quality of education and training provided in Fiji.

It was not until the amendment of the Fiji National Training (FNT) Act in 2002 that the decision to establish a qualifications framework was officially announced. The Act then became known as the Training & Productivity Authority of Fiji Act. TPAF was given the mandate by government in 2003 to spearhead the development and establishment of FNQF.

The thoughts behind the establishment of the Fiji National Qualifications Framework is that it will ensure a greater supply of skilled labour, those that have the skills, knowledge and attitudes that match the demand of our economy. The issue of many people leaving for jobs in overseas markets as a result of gaining qualifications registered on the framework is a national concern. However, it is still better to provide more opportunities and pathways for many more to gain qualifications then to depend on the few who are likely to leave anyway.

The Development of the Fiji National Qualifications Framework Project (FNQFP) has conducted initial national consultations regarding the form, scope and purposes of a Fiji National Qualifications Framework. The outcome sought is a Qualifications Framework that is workable for Fiji in that it will:

• provide for a more flexible and multiple pathways for acquiring qualifications;
• meet industry needs and will make qualifications more accessible to those already in the industry,
• allow for recognition of prior learning and current competence,
• provide for the recognition of other qualifications and including those awarded by overseas institutions,
• ensure the transferability of credits across various institutions and
• will ensure recognition of local qualifications by overseas institutions

This document also makes reference to the framework of draft policies to support the development of a Qualifications Framework that
meets the desired outcome.

Overall, the draft policy framework has gone through five review sessions with approval from the TPAF Board and PS Education for endorsement. The draft policies allowed the formulation and establishment of the Fiji National Qualification Authority. This is currently housed under the High Education Commission Secretariat at the Red Cross Building in Suva.

The government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands, Ministry of Education, TPAF, are grateful for the support given by the various government representatives, representatives of industry associations and professional bodies, and key stakeholders.

FIJI QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK POLICY BACKGROUND

• The Government of Fiji (GoF) strategies to encourage economic development, improve national productivity and reduce poverty include the goal of increasing the supply of highly trained human resources through the provision of relevant education and training.

• To facilitate the provision of human resources with appropriate and relevant skills and knowledge the GoF intends to establish a Fiji National Qualifications Framework (FNQF) to ensure that qualifications provided in Fiji are relevant and focused.

FIJI NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

Structure of the National Qualifications Framework

• Initial consultations conducted in early 2006 resulted in an FNQF model that encompasses all the education and training provided within Fiji by schools, FIT, TPAF, Industries, Vocational Schools and all TVET providers. It is also described as a ten-level framework extending from certificates to doctorates and as a result also encompassed higher education at universities and specialist higher education providers.

Figure 1: Structure of the Fiji National Qualifications Framework Following Consultations

Trades Developed

A total of 8 trades have been developed so far. These include: