Hard work, diligence and a burning passion are the ingredients to a successful business, believes Sitiveni Kubunavanua, a recent Australia Pacific Training Coalition graduate.

Originally from Fiji's old capital, Levuka, Sitiveni dreamed of becoming a chef, but before he could pave a pathway to his destination, he worked as a construction worker.

Today, he is one of the most recent graduates from APTC in Fiji, having gained a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30816) in 2020.

In a bid to follow his dream, Sitiveni undertook short courses in cookery, landing him a job at Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji's Western province's waters.

Whilst working as a chef at Tokoriki, Sitiveni then decided to pursue an Australian qualification with APTC, and shortly after entered the business world.

Thanks to his perseverance, Sitiveni now owns a cake business, Man About Cakes, where he bakes cakes for every occasion and has his family's support in running it.

He attributes self-belief, passion and interest for the successful execution of his skills learnt at APTC.

His message is to remain positive, never give up, and nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Sitiveni thanks APTC for helping him achieve his dreams.

To support our students with employability skills and career development, every student undertakes the "APTC to Work" program. This program provides a practical entry point linking vocational studies with employment and other career and education options, part of participating in the small business information session.

This information session introduces students to business startups and national requirements for opening up small businesses, including grants and schemes for small businesses, business licensing requirements, taxation, business loan schemes, insurance policies and alumni success stories in the private sector.

This initiative adequately prepares APTC students to get into the business world with a smoother transition, and Sitiveni is an obvious beneficiary.

APTC is managed by TAFE Queensland (RTO0275).