Laisenia Savenaca Usa decided he wanted to develop his culinary skills and share his love for food with others to enjoy. To gain the knowledge and competency he needed, Usa enrolled in the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Certificate 3 in Cookery course to achieve his dream.

Originally from Lau, the 20-year-old said becoming a chef is a goal he strives for and was grateful he was able to take the first step towards his ambition at FNU.

“I love food and I want to know more about food so that I can prepare a variety of food in the kitchen,” Usa shared.

“I have learnt a lot of valuable skills and knowledge from this course and the lecturers are very experienced and supportive. It was easy for me to transition into tertiary learning because the learning environment created by the academic and support staff at FNU was comfortable and resourceful.”

“My highlights undertaking this course would have to be learning the proper techniques and tools used when preparing and cooking food and understanding its nutritional value to our body.”

Usa said the course provided him with the ability to work effortlessly in a kitchen with others and maintain the quality and safety of his dishes.

“I hope to become a chef on a cruise ship,” Usa added.  “I know I can achieve this through hard work. I would like to experience being a chef at various places, such as on a cruise ship and at hotels.”

Usa encouraged others to pursue studies in this field if they had similar interests and career aspirations.

“I’d like to encourage us youths to consider taking up courses at FNU in this field as you will be equipped to gain knowledge and experience as well as start your own entrepreneurial ventures.”

“Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes such as the Certificate and Diploma courses at FNU provide work and industry-ready skills.”

Students completing or have completed Year 12 or 13 have the opportunity to undergo Semester 1, 2022 studies in the Certificate 3 in Cookery or any other TVET course at FNU through the 5,000 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) placements.

Continuing students of an FNU TVET course are also eligible and can apply for the placement.

Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma level qualifications.

Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a minimum mark of 200/400 or completed Level I and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji.

Applications for Semester 1, 2022 studies at FNU are now open.

Students can visit our website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more about our programmes and submit an online application.