With rapidly expanding telecom networks and the deployment of new technologies in the Pacific islands region, the need for frequent training and re-training of technical personnel is a continuing necessity.

Regional telecom networks have to increasingly contend with converging technologies in the ICT space, new maintenance and preventive maintenance procedures, efficient customer management and billing systems, besides many other skills. Training of scarce human resources in the islands region could not be more crucial than it is now.

The region’s apex association of telecom companies, the Pacific Islands Telecom Association (PITA) has therefore decided to invest in a full-time training coordinator to help develop and maintain a high standard of trained technical human resources within its member organisations. “PITA has been conducting between 12 and 15 training programmes a year on various aspects of telecom technologies over the last few years,” says PITA president Maui Sanford, speaking to ISLANDS BUSINESS in Suva. 

The Suva-based secretariat of the association will be the base for the new appointee who will work with PITA’s full time manager. “It is very important to identify training needs in view of changing technologies as well as customer management practices,” says Sanford. “We see this as a full time occupation involving training needs, finding trainer resources, organising venues and the rest of the things associated with the delivery of a successful training programme.”

Though the coordinator will not be expected to conduct training programmes personally, any ability to do so would be welcome, adds Sanford. While dealing with a complex industry like telecom, the appointee’s knowledge of telecom technology, the region’s different telecom regulatory mechanisms, the fast-changing scenario on the global scene and liaising with trainers in other parts of the world as well as adapting training programmes to the Pacific would add all-round value to the position.