Fiji’s widening gap for the demand and supply of skilled workers in the hotel and tourism sectors is being bridged by training offered by vocational institutions.

Fiji National University, National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), acting director Peni Taoi made the remark to 22 graduates in Nasese on Friday.

The students graduated with certificates of attainment in commercial cookery.

He said the training that students received would fill the gap in the hotel and tourism sector compared to what it was before.

“During the training course, students have learned to develop a set of distinct knowledge and qualities; the ability that you will need to move into the industry,” he said.

He said students made a landmark by being the first official graduates for the department of Hospitality and Tourism at the university.

FNU NTPC Department of Hospitality and Tourism Training Officer, Aman Kumar, said the training groomed students for the industry.

“Students learned the pressure in the kitchen, how to interact with guests, learning commercial cookery and also pastry,” Mr Kumar said.

“They would have the skills and knowledge to use in the industry or operate from home.”

There was a total of 18 units for the programme where students graduated at the end of the six-month course.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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