Ms Rachael Kong, a graduate of the APTC Hospitality (Operations) Certificate III course, works as the Office Administrator of CARE International, Vanuatu.

When asked about her career change, Ms Kong said, "The course taken at APTC has improved my skills and opened doors of opportunity."

"Firstly, I would like to thank The Sebel Hotel Manager Jeffery Branch, for seeing the opportunity to help the Ni-Vanuatu staff to gain further education."

While studying at the APTC Vanuatu Campus, Ms Kong was Coordinator of The Sebel Housekeeping Department "…a very challenging time, with 75 hotel rooms, over 100 staff and a very high occupancy rate. This demanded a lot of hours."

After graduating, Ms Kong had the opportunity to work at the Olympic Hotel as the Reception and Housekeeping Coordinator for more than 10 months, and used this time to put into practice the skills gained from her APTC studies, and to hold in-house training for other staff members.

Ms Kong said that having a better understanding of areas such as financial transactions, office procedure, health and safety procedures, conflict resolution, coaching others, and promoting products and services to customers, has been particularly helpful in her past and present job responsibilities.

"It is easier to plan my work, cooperate with staff, and identify areas that need improvement," explained Ms Kong. "I want to say thank you to the staff of APTC and Jeffrey Branch of The Sebel Hotel for giving the Ni-Vanuatu people a chance to improve in our personal careers."