The Colombo Plan Staff College and Labtech International Ltd. extended the benefits of its partnership on holding an online in-country program on Automotive Technology Using Virtual TVET in Fiji, held from January 31-February 3, 2022. The program tapped 23 Fijian automotive trainers and instructors for a period of four days.
Held via Zoom, the program covered topics related to the introduction to automotive systems such as basic engine fundamentals, electricity, and electronics, braking systems, wheels and drive systems, steering and suspension systems. It also goes into developing the students’ knowledge and skills, leading to more advanced studies such as petrol and diesel fuel, systems, engine management, transmissions, and hybrid vehicles.
Supervising the program are Prof. G.L.D.Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, President of Labtech International Ltd; and Dr. Anjeela Jokhan, Permanent Secretary of Fiji’s Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts (MEHA). In addition, the program’s resources and logistics were facilitated by Mr. Brad Kerr, General Manager of Labtech Academy.
The program invited Mr. Timori Bure, Head for National Education Service Delivery (HNSED) of the Ministry of Education, Heritage, and Arts of the Government of Fiji during the opening ceremony on January 31. In his speech, he cited the importance of this training program in addressing the high demand for motor vehicles and automotive skills in the country. He also cited the need to encourage entrepreneurship and skills development in order to address the economic and social challenges of the country. He shared his hopes that more institutes and trainers will be involved in the program.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony was held on February 3 and invited the special guest, Mr. Darnesh Rahman, Senior Curriculum Specialist of the Curriculum Advisory Services at the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts. In his closing speech, he outlined some of the plans of the government of Fiji on further developing TVET and adapting to the new realities of online learning despite the challenges of internet connectivity.
