Australia Provides Hospitality Skills to Meet Tourism Workforce Gaps
Australia’s support for skills training continues through the Pacific Australia Skills program, delivering to upskill staff working in local cafés in Honiara, equipping them with practical skills in barista and beverage-making.
The Hospitality Drinks Preparation training was provided in direct response to needs identified by local employers in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Participants from Heritage Park Hotel, ORMIS Kitchen, RDE Ltd and members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) including a range of small businesses took part in the training, which combined theory and hands-on learning in preparing coffee and a range of non-alcoholic beverages.
For Rouina Nence Itu from The Pagoda Café, the training was an opportunity to build her skills and confidence in her role.
“I really enjoyed the training and felt very happy to attend. I now know the different types of coffee and non-alcoholic beverages and how to prepare them. Before this, I had a very basic understanding of the different coffee types. The measurements and preparation techniques I learnt are so useful” Rouina said.
“I will share these skills and knowledge with my colleagues and encourage them to take up similar training opportunities in the future.”
Nathalyn Fugui from ORMIS Kitchen said the workshop has strengthened her confidence and changed how she approaches her work.
“The training has increased my confidence in preparing drinks when customers order them and I now believe that I have the skills to see myself as a barista,” Nathalyn said.
“I will use these skills in my work at ORMIS Kitchen and continue improving my service to customers.”
The training reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ economic growth by investing in skills development that response to industry demand, strengthens workforce capability and creates pathways to sustainable employment opportunities.
Through practical, relevant training, young Solomon Islanders are gaining the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.
Source: Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
