Australia–Pacific Technical College continues to create opportunities
07 April, 2012
Anare Tukana (left) receiving APTC certificate from Mr Uraia Rasake, Westin Denarau Island Resort
Meli Rokotakala (left) with friends and family at the APTC graduation ceremony.
Photos: AusAID
Anare Tukana and Meli Rokotakala wasted no time securing jobs once they completed their Certificate III programs with the Australia–Pacific Technical College in June 2011. As soon as they finished, they secured employment with Tui Tai Expeditions, one of the biggest adventure holiday providers in the South Pacific.
Anare and Meli did their training at the Australia–Pacific Technical College's School of Hospitality and Tourism in Rakiraki, Fiji, with work attachments at the Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel.
Anare originally comes from Semo village on the south coast of Viti Levu. Since finishing the Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) he is now the chef on board the Tui Tai cruise boat. He regularly tantalises guests with culinary skills learnt from Tom Catterall, the cooking teacher at Rakiraki.
Meli also works on Tui Tai, as a hospitality specialist making sure the guests enjoy their dining and other activities on board the boat.
The two men work as a team and both love the challenge of providing excellent service, which is not always easy.
'What we learnt at Australia-Pacific Technical College is that you always need a plan B and sometimes a plan C to ensure service is consistent and, more importantly, so guests don't know there is something wrong', said Meli.
The Tui Tai cruise usually takes seven days, with less than a day between trips. This means Anare and Meli must keep a close eye on supplies, which can be challenging when you are sailing among small islands off Vanua Levu. Anare uses local produce, which has the added benefit of creating income for local communities.
With their sense of humour and genuine desire to please, the men aim to provide a wonderful experience of Fijian food and culture. They plan to sail for some time to come, to practise and hone the skills they learnt at the Australia–Pacific Technical College, to the benefit of those fortunate to sail on the Tui Tai.
In 2011, Australia committed to provide $152 million to fund the second phase of the Australia Pacific Technical College. This support will see more than 3,450 Pacific Islanders graduate with internationally-recognised qualifications, helping to build important vocational skills, employment opportunities and productivity across the Pacific.
More information
Australia's aid program in Fiji
Last Reviewed: 30 March, 2012