Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie)

Becoming a catering manager and operating a cooking school in her village is the career goal and personal dream of Catherine Idau Igua from PNG. Catherine graduated from APTC in 2010 with a Certificate III in Hospitality (Patisserie).

Catherine faced many challenges to get to where she is now. She started her career in a job that didn’t pay much. She was optimistic of making her way up, determined to take up any challenge and strongly believed that with her dedication, things will change for the better in the future. She left her fulltime job when she started her studies with APTC. She believed strongly that her sacrifices would somehow assist her in achieving her goals.

After completing her studies with APTC, Catherine was on her path to success. Landing an offer to work with Nationwide Catering Services in Lihir as a Chef, Catherine soon climbed the ladder of success and was promoted to her current position of Head Chef.

She is very thankful to APTC for the opportunity she was provided to upgrade her skills and obtain an Australian Qualification.

Catherine draws inspiration from her people. She lives in a village where she has seen people who are unemployed, have no formal education or are school drop outs due to financial difficulties. These people and circumstances inspire her to do something positive to help.

In 2010, she became a Red Cross volunteer in Lihir where she makes herself available when the need arises. In 2014 she formed a women’s group which focuses on social issues, creating awareness around health, and empowering youth, women and men. Her women’s group is also involved in Church charity activities.

To further assist her community, Catherine created a healthy cooking program for local schools where she teaches the children basic cooking skills and personal hygiene.

Catherine is very grateful to her parents who “set good examples and advised us to always dedicate ourselves to what we do and work at. Family values are very important and are to be respected and honoured and in this way you will become a better person in the community, at work and in the family.”

Catherine’s advice to APTC students and Alumni is to “take any opportunity that comes along your way, be determined in what you do and work from your heart.”