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2017 News Archive

Maureen

APTC student participates in national barista competition

Dec 12, 2017

Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) Certificate III in Hospitality (Food and Beverage) student, Ms Maureen Narayan performed exceptionally well at two Barista competitions and said that her APTC training has elevated her food and beverage skills and talent that she confidently displayed at the regional and national Barista competition this year. 

Winning the Suva regional competition confirmed Ms Narayan’s entry, as one of 15 finalists at the 2017 Piazza Doro Fiji Barista of the Year competition that took place last month.

Organised by Yees Cold Storage, the annual competition aims to lift the standard of skills and knowledge of baristas working across the hospitality sector in Fiji.

Ms Narayan said the skills that she developed while working at the Pacific Fusion Restaurant, APTC’s training facility, and the support from APTC trainers and Hospitality graduate Katrine Sanmarie who coached her throughout the competition, helped her greatly during the competition.

These skills included, using specialised equipment and different methods to make various coffee beverages, timing her work, paying attention to cleanliness, preparation, presentation and practising work safety. 

“When they tallied the points during the Suva regional competition, and told me I was a finalist, it was such a special moment for me.” 

She has since gained confidence and become more skilled as a barista which she hopes to develop further. 

“I would like to thank APTC for giving me the exposure. I would not have had the experience of showcasing my skills, let alone be part of such an event if I were not enrolled in the Hospitality program at APTC,” she said. 

“I want to go back to the industry to work and share the skills I have learnt from APTC, and show other baristas what to do and what not to do.” 

Ms Narayan, who has worked at popular local cafés and restaurants including The Roc, Skinny Bean and Contain Yourself, plans to run her own café one day.

“It is wonderful to see our students transferring skills that we teach them including coffee-making to other hospitality workers and fellow students,” APTC Hospitality Trainer, Ms Margaret Masih said. 

“Our hospitality training has become a benchmark of what the industry is looking for in providing quality training that helps individuals to grow and flourish in their chosen career.”  

SIT30616 Certificate III in Hospitality (Food and Beverage) is currently offered in Fiji to upskill hospitality workers and develop their skills in preparing food and drinks while providing safe, efficient and responsible service to customers.  

APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275)

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