Development of Fiji National Qualifications Framework (NQF) & Establishment of Fiji Qualifications Authority (FQA) Phase 1

PINZ was initially contracted in 2006 to lead the design and development of Fiji National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The project is seen as contributing to international employment opportunities for Fijians through formal recognition of competencies and qualifications that will create new horizons for learners, and new income potential for families. Fiji’s aspirations are quality education for sustainable development and a knowledge based society.
PINZ deployed a team of consultants who worked closely with the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF), industry organisations and government to develop the enabling environment for a flexible framework with multiple pathways for acquiring qualifications. Skills standards were developed for model industries.
Following a period of legislative reform in the Fiji higher education sector, PINZ was invited to provide additional technical assistance to the Fiji Higher Education Commission (HEC) for Phase 2, the establishment of the Fiji Qualifications Authority (FQA) and the further development and implementation of the framework system.
In association with SolNet Solutions Ltd, a Record of Learning Database (RoL) was developed to store details of the NQF unit standards achieved by learners while attending accredited education provider training in Fiji, providing an individual ‘life learning record’.

Services provided:

During phase 1 of the project, polices and procedures to implement and support the Fiji Qualifications Framework tailored to the Fijian context were developed. This included quality assurance mechanisms and assessment and moderation systems. The framework has the capacity to encompass unit standards for all trades and evolve to meet industry’s changing needs. Stakeholder input was sought at each stage.
Unit standards, assessor guides and workplace manuals were developed for model trades and training was provided for industry assessors. A communications strategy was developed to enable training providers, workplace assessors and stakeholders to understand the new framework, procedures, policies and assessment. A training needs analysis informed the development of training packages for schools, industry and the community.
In phase 2, implementation, the FQA was established, staff recruited and system-wide training provided. Policies and procedures developed during phase 1 were modified to suit the changed environment and reduced to practice. With the FQF, these have created a vehicle for ensuring that education reforms in Fiji at all levels can be strategically linked. Unit standards for an additional 5 trades and assessor guides and workplace manuals for 14 trades were developed with the Team using electronic communications to maximise capacity building opportunities.
The RoL database was developed and staff trained to further develop, operate and maintain it. As learners move from one organisation to another, their records will be updated with new standards achieved.
Report deliverables included comprehensive FQF Purpose Policy and Procedures, Implementation Plan and Communications Plan, all prepared to reflect the dynamic developing Fiji higher education environment.
PINZ has been responsive to the changes that have occurred in personnel and policy throughout the project providing on-going support beyond the scope of project to ensure stakeholder understand.