The Fijian Government has urged students studying at Hawai'i's Brigham Young University (BYU) to return home after graduating, as the Government looks to fill workforce gaps across health, justice, trades and emerging industries.

The discussion was held at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Laie, Hawai'i, and focused on how returning graduates could meet Fiji's workforce needs.

Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya, told students the country needed skilled professionals to respond to rising social harm and workforce shortages.

Rising HIV cases, youth drug addiction, untreated trauma, family violence and suicide were raised as drivers for a larger and better supported professional workforce.

"These are not just statistics — they are lives, families and communities that urgently need skilled, compassionate and culturally grounded professionals," Ms Tabuya said.

Shortages were highlighted in psychology, social work and trauma-informed practice, alongside demand linked to policies such as the Child Justice Act.

A direct appeal for graduates to return was framed as both a social and economic priority.

"Fiji needs you and there has never been a better time to come home," Ms Tabuya said.

Student life and work arrangements at BYU Hawai'i were outlined through the I-WORK program and the role it plays in helping students cover study costs.

Students were told the program involves working 19 to 20 hours during the semester and up to 40 hours during the summer break, mainly at the Polynesian Cultural Centre or on campus.

Earnings were described as contributing to education costs alongside family and university support, while building discipline, accountability, service and time management skills.

Challenges raised by students included balancing work and study, homesickness during holidays and the pressures faced by student parents managing childcare.

Enrolment figures shared during the session showed 506 Fijian students studied at BYU Hawai'i between 2020 and 2025, with 67 graduates recorded so far.

The figures also showed more than 100 students enrolled in a single year after COVID-19.

Fields of study identified included psychology, political science, social work, business, tourism studies, construction and facilities management.

Labour shortages were also raised beyond the social sector, with the session flagging gaps across trades and major projects.

Shortfalls were identified in electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters and joiners, alongside demand for project managers, engineers, safety officers and quality assurance specialists.

Businesses were described as losing thousands of dollars each day due to poor punctuality and attendance.

Gaps were also flagged in accounting, auditing, marketing and digital capability, alongside demand for stronger technology skills.

Growth areas raised during the discussion included digital and social media marketing, AI and technology integration, and agriculture supported by tax incentives and duty-free imports.

Students were also briefed on planned developments in Fiji, including a national rugby stadium, cultural facilities and resort projects expected to create work across tourism and multiple sectors.

Graduates were positioned as a pipeline of workers with international exposure and workplace experience alongside their qualifications.

The session described BYU Hawai'i graduates as largely debt-free and equipped with technology skills and faith-based grounding.

A personal example was shared through Ms Tabuya's eldest daughter, Mercedes Swann, and her decision to return to Fiji and pursue agriculture.

Ms Swann now runs a commercial farm supplying major supermarket chains in Fiji.

Advice for students focused on punctuality, consistency and gaining work experience aligned to their field of study.

Students were also encouraged to build digital and marketing skills and learn how to use AI tools for a competitive edge.

Government plans to expand internship and graduate pathways within ministries and statutory authorities were raised, with Cabinet approval being sought to broaden the programs.

Students were encouraged to coordinate through student leadership or contact government offices to explore opportunities.