Over six hundred unemployed people have kick started their one month long life skills training in Labasa as part of the National Employment centre's Decree Initiative.
NEC Director Viliame Baledrokadroka said the training program which started on Monday this week, sees those registered identify the various fields they are interested in before undergoing training.
The Decree which came into effect in January of this year, states that an unemployed person is anyone who is 15 years of age and above, who is not self employed or engaged in any contract of service, is not presently undergoing a course of education or training and is a legal resident of Fiji.
Baledrokadroka said they will be moving to Savusavu next.
Under section 39 of the National Employment Centre Decree, a person who falls under the category of unemployed and does not register commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.
Baledrokadroka said the Decree clearly spells it out and they are relying on people to use their common sense and register.
He added that there is no cut-off age for registration as they are also targeting retirees and the elderly who think that they are still able to work and contribute to the economy.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala
