Article
APMT brings winds of growth in Fiji
How LARS and Study Pacific Are Transforming Education and Employment in Fiji
In an era marked by global economic shifts and local challenges such as youth unemployment, underutilised educational capacity, and population outmigration, APMT.com.fj emerges as a powerful catalyst for change. With two flagship programs—Life After Rugby & Sports (LARS) and Study Pacific—this Fiji-based vocational and education provider is offering “out-of-the-box” solutions that are not only visionary but deeply practical.
These initiatives represent a new model for national development—one that blends sport, education, internationalisation, and job creation into a unified economic engine. Here’s how.
LARS: Building Futures Beyond the Field
The Life After Rugby & Sports (LARS) program, developed by APMT, recognises that athletes need structured pathways to transition into professional lives beyond their sporting years. It targets high school students, aspiring athletes, and even retired sports professionals, equipping them with vocational and industry-specific skills that are certified, job-ready, and internationally recognised.
By embedding Australian-standard vocational training in areas such as hospitality, trades, tourism, business, and aged care, LARS not only elevates Fiji’s youth but also builds a generation of skilled workers who are globally mobile and locally valuable. Delivered through schools and sports federations, it plugs directly into the high school ecosystem, giving students a head-start before university.
Study Pacific: A Game-Changer for Fiji's Higher Education and Economy
Study Pacific, on the other hand, is APMT’s bold education tourism initiative, positioning Fiji as a viable international education destination. With a goal of attracting over 1,000 international students annually from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the program provides a powerful, revenue-generating solution for Fijian universities and technical institutions.
By partnering with Study Pacific, universities can establish new income streams, independent of government funding, through international tuition fees, industry-aligned programs, and short courses. The model also encourages these institutions to co-design practical programs with APMT that are relevant to global markets and student aspirations.
The Economic Ripple Effect: Education as an Export Industry
The economic implications of this model are profound.
According to international benchmarks, every 4 international students generate 1 full-time local job—across sectors like education, retail, hospitality, real estate, and transport. Therefore, the influx of 1,000+ students annually could directly create over 250 new jobs in Fiji.
These students will need:
- Accommodation – creating opportunities for landlords, hostels, and property developers;
- Food and retail – increasing demand in supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and local farmers;
- Clothing and services – driving demand in retail, mobile services, salons, and basic amenities;
- Entertainment – boosting revenue in cinemas, cultural tours, and tourism-related activities;
- Transport – expanding demand for taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services.
This isn’t just about student enrolment. It’s about activating entire local economies, stimulating consumer spending, and supporting micro-enterprises—from food carts to tech hubs.
Repositioning Fiji as a Global Education and Workforce Hub
Both LARS and Study Pacific align perfectly with Fiji’s long-term development vision of becoming a knowledge economy, retaining local talent while attracting international engagement. These programs support:
- Youth empowerment and employment readiness
- Sustainable school-to-career pathways
- Institutional financial resilience
- Export diversification through education services
- Community-based economic stimulation
A Call to Stakeholders: Schools, Universities, and Policymakers
The time to act is now. Fiji has the infrastructure, talent, and reputation—it now needs the platforms. APMT offers just that.
- For high schools LARS offers structured vocational programs that make every student workforce-ready.
- For universities and technical colleges Study Pacific offers access to a global student market and a direct revenue model.
- For the nation these programs represent a sustainable, private-sector-led strategy to address youth employment, education access, and economic revival.
Conclusion: Smart Solutions, Real Impact
APMT.com.fj is not just another training provider. It is a strategic enabler—bridging education and employment, sport and skills, Fiji and the world.
Through LARS and Study Pacific, APMT is laying the groundwork for a stronger, smarter, and more self-reliant Fiji. By investing in people and connecting them to global opportunity, these programs embody the future of education and development.
