Focus on meeting demand

 By HUXLEY LOVAI

THE International Education Agency (IEA) College of TAFE Port Moresby campus has renewed its focus on its tourism, travel and hospitality courses to meet the industry demand.

The hotel constructions in Port Moresby have increased the demand for the relevant courses, both from the general public and the industry itself. 

Larry Teneke, manager of operations at IEA College of TAFE, said: “We want to supply the industry with a workforce that have particular training in the field of hospitality.”

For tourism, travel and hospitality students working on Certificates in Kitchen Operations and Commercial Cookery, the TAFE campus has a fully equipped commercial kitchen on premises for students to carry out the practical portion of the courses. 

Activities range from keeping a clean kitchen, food preparation and serving customers.

Teneke said the college is in constant consultation with the hospitality industry and the feedback allows the college to tailor its courses to suit the needs of the industry.

“We are working in partnership with the industry for them to also come in and have a look and evaluate our students,” Teneke said  

“That is the same with all the other courses.” TAFE courses run for 

six months, depending on requirements. 

Part of the practical section for most of the courses is the Work Placement programme. 

Students are placed in companies and business to gain experience in their particular field.