Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

PTC alumnus, Ms Alifina Marama has been expanding her cooking business after graduating from APTC with a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery qualification in 2015. 

Ms Marama is the owner of Aniva’s Catering and has been preparing meals for customers from her home in Suva, for the past six years. 

She says studying at APTC has given her the confidence to prepare and serve high quality meals and desserts with local produce as well as meals that meet special dietary requirements. 

“At APTC, I learned the importance of hygiene and safe food handling. I now know how to maintain the quality of perishable items, keep the kitchen clean and work well with other chefs and hospitality workers. Studying at APTC not only provided me with a widely-recognised qualification and culinary skills, but also the confidence and ability to run a business.” 

During her training at APTC, Ms Marama learned to plan and cost basic menus, prepare business plans and effectively use technology. 

“I can budget properly for my business, talk to customers, take orders and employ extra hands. Cooking is my passion. My APTC training has helped me to plan, promote, create and sell more effectively,” she adds. 

Since setting up her business, Ms Marama has built up her client list and has gone on to provide catering services for various organisations. In 2016, she prepared meals for more than 250 APTC students and guests during APTC’s small business workshop in Suva. 

“I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to upskill at APTC and having a certificate which has driven me to do more than just cook. I’ve always wanted to promote local cuisine, and I’m confident I`ll be able to do so through this small business of mine.” 

Ms Marama plans to run her own restaurant one day.