What entry requirements apply to an apprenticeship in Fiji's vocational education system?

NTPC generally considers applicants aged 18 or above, with Year 12 or equivalent education or relevant prior learning, medical fitness and the ability to complete the required theory and practical work. Exact conditions vary by trade, and the applicable rules can allow a younger applicant in specific circumstances.

Who registers and supervises an apprenticeship under Fiji's National Apprenticeship Scheme?

The employer provides workplace supervision and progressive training, while the National Training & Productivity Centre registers the apprenticeship and monitors the training arrangement. The employer must be authorized, and the apprentice, employer and NTPC form the three parties to the scheme.

How long does an apprenticeship in Fiji last and how is it assessed?

An apprenticeship usually lasts three to four years and combines workplace training with off-job theory. The National Trade Testing Department sets the standards and conducts the trade test leading to recognized certificates such as Class III Assistant Tradesman, Class II Qualified Tradesman or Class I Supervisor.

What must an employer provide during an apprenticeship in Fiji?

The employer must provide supervised progressive training, release for related education, required records and tools, and the applicable apprentice wage, travel, subsistence and course-fee support. The exact obligations follow the relevant Fiji training order and apprenticeship contract.

Apprenticeship in Fiji

Fiji's National Apprenticeship Scheme combines paid employment with supervised workplace training and related off-job theory. An apprenticeship usually lasts three to four years and is arranged between the apprentice, an authorized employer and the National Training & Productivity Centre (NTPC). Successful completion can lead to a recognized trade qualification.

Tip

Choose an apprenticeship in Fiji when you want paid workplace learning and can secure an authorized employer willing to train you. Check the trade-specific entry conditions, written contract, NTPC registration and employer obligations before starting. If no suitable employer place exists, compare an FNU-TVET or other registered provider course instead of waiting without a confirmed training arrangement.

bySera&Sione

The apprentice learns through progressive on-the-job training at the employer and related theoretical instruction. The employer must provide supervision, keep training records, release the apprentice for related education, provide required tools and meet the applicable wage, travel, subsistence and course-fee duties under Fiji's training rules. An apprentice must follow lawful instructions, attend off-job education, work safely and maintain satisfactory learning progress. A contract normally includes a six-month probation period; a parent or guardian acts as guarantor when the apprentice is under 18. Entry conditions depend on the trade and the current NTPC process. NTPC generally considers applicants aged 18 or above, Year 12 or equivalent education or relevant prior learning, medical fitness and the ability to complete the theory and practical work. The applicable legal rules can allow a younger apparent age in specific circumstances, so the trade requirements and current recommendation must be checked. An employer may apply directly, or NTPC may help connect an applicant with an apprenticeship opportunity. Employer authorization and NTPC registration are required. Training is available across trades such as agriculture, construction, automotive, electrical and electronics, hospitality, tourism, information technology, fisheries, forestry and maritime work. The National Trade Testing Department sets standards and conducts tests. Trade testing is separate from apprenticeship: it can recognize skills gained through formal, non-formal or informal learning and does not require a minimum formal school qualification, but the applicant still needs relevant trade experience and technical knowledge. Trade certificates progress from Class III Assistant Tradesman to Class II Qualified Tradesman and Class I Supervisor across 29 trades. A person who cannot obtain an apprenticeship place may consider FNU-TVET, an FHEC-registered vocational institution or a non-formal training centre. Fiji National University offers certificate-level training through diploma level, while other providers offer different trades, schedules and locations. Access in rural and outer-island areas depends on available employers and providers. Course fees, intake dates, trade-test fees and scholarship conditions must be checked for the selected provider and year; the NTPC 2026 schedule lists trade-test fees of about FJD 200 to FJD 400, which are not a general apprenticeship fee. TSLS skills scholarships may support eligible Fiji citizens accepted into qualifying programmes, subject to residence, income, programme and double-funding conditions.