Local Careers Lead To Global Goals For Taupō Hospitality Students

To cope with growth, support the training of the next generation and ensure the best customer service possible, popular tourism venture, Chris Jolly Outdoors recently hired six students from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Taupō campus in a variety of subject areas, from culinary arts to business administration.

Two of the students selected, Sasha Chadwick and Sara-Lee Honana, say while they both have other part-time jobs, the challenge of juggling study, work and life is all worth it for an industry that offers global career opportunities.

“I needed something to do after high school, enrolled on Food and Beverage Level 3 and loved it,” says Sasha. “I carried onto study at level 4 because there are heaps of jobs in hospitality that come at you. That’s why I’m continuing on to study culinary arts next year.”

Encouraged by the aid having kiwi qualifications will bring to obtaining work overseas, she says she still knows exactly where she would open her own business, once she reaches that ultimate goal.

“I’d run it here in Taupō. Got to keep it local, and the work lifestyle here is pretty good. I currently work at Wairakei Resort and here at Chris Jolly’s on the fishing charters - there’s no better place.”

Working in the tourism industry since the age of 16, Sara-Lee says she enrolled at Toi Ohomai after she applied for a kitchen management role at a retirement village, yet missed out due to not having any associated qualifications to her name.

“The difference between learning at Toi Ohomai vs within industry is that Toi Ohomai teaches you industry etiquette. The hospitality language, cup names, and all the industry standards right up to silver service - which you won’t learn in New Zealand unless you are in a five star restaurant.

 "Toi Ohomai puts you in that 5-star category, ready for jobs around the world.”

Thanking Chris Jolly for the flexibility of work they offer around her study and children, the mother of two says support is also something to keep in mind when looking at tertiary study.

“My ten-year-old thinks it is funny that mum has homework and my three-year-old just likes to scribble all over my work, but if I can do it, any other mums can too. Unlike when I did university, where you don't get one on one time with the tutor – you submit your work or you don’t - my tutor, Sarah Hammersley has that personal touch.”

Adding that touch to her crew work with Chris Jolly has seen Sara research attractions like Lake Taupō’s Māori rock carvings, so she can give their customers a better all-round experience.

“My cousin told me about the course at Toi Ohomai, where she is also studying. I have two kids and one baby husband (laughs), so I have been thinking more and more of eventually getting a family business going. Something small that we can all work towards. I’d like that.”