Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) graduate Mr Reshad Shah is currently making waves in the Australian culinary industry. 

In 2010, Mr Shah graduated with a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery from APTC and currently works as a chef with the Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) Group in Melbourne. 

APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government. APTC delivers a wide range of technical and vocational courses to increase the supply of skilled, competitive and productive workers in targeted sectors across the Pacific region.

The APTC Commercial Cookery course reflects the role and expected Australian industry standards of commercial cooks and as such there are a wide range of cookery skills delivered in the program. Students are taught to use discretion and judgment, and graduate with a sound knowledge of kitchen operations.

Mr Shah acknowledges that the practical training he received helped him professionally and has significantly contributed to his achievements. 

“The APTC training is the best thing to happen to my career. Not only did it upgrade my skills and advanced my knowledge as a chef, but it also was my passport to an Australia skills visa.” 

“I thank the Australian Government for this life changing opportunity and the entire APTC team for making my journey a successful one,” he added. 

Mr Shah said that after he completed his APTC studies, he started applying for employment in Australia. He was successful in being offered a job with the Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) Group who sponsored him to work with them as a chef. 

He said that he has settled well in his new work environment although he admits that working in Melbourne is different from Fiji. 

Previously, Mr Shah worked as a Restaurant Manager and Commis Chef at global resort chains - Hilton Fiji Resort and Radisson Fiji. 

He plans to further his education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Management this year. 

Mr Shah expressed his well wishes to APTC students and fellow graduates for their future. He also applauded APTC for continuing to deliver exemplary training to Pacific people.