Instep Young Leaders Explore Practical Career Pathways at Toi Ohomai

Forty-seven secondary school student leaders from across the Western Bay of Plenty got a hands-on introduction to hospitality careers and tertiary study when they visited the Toi Ohomai Tauranga campus as part of the Instep Young Leaders Forum.

As one of five partner organisations working alongside Priority One, Toi Ohomai hosted the group on campus on 24 September, welcoming student representatives from secondary schools throughout the region, alongside representatives from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council and the University of Waikato.

The Instep Young Leaders Forum brings together students who hold leadership positions within their school communities, helping them develop leadership skills while exploring local education and employment pathways.

During their visit, the young leaders participated in a series of interactive workshops led by our hospitality ākonga and kaiako.

Students from our Certificate of Cookery (Level 3) programme, supported by Senior Academic Staff Member – Hospitality, Marco Fuchser, demonstrated how to scramble the perfect egg while sharing what it's like to work in a commercial kitchen. Toi Ohomai ākonga in the Certificate in Food and Beverage Services (Level 3) programme, alongside their tutor Giorgio Ciraulo, also shared their expertise, teaching visitors how to make barista-style coffee and café-quality smoothies.

Next, the group heard from Toi Ohomai Head of School – Design, Innovation and Service Industries, Tania Berryman, about different study and training options, before enjoying a buffet-style breakfast prepared and served by our service industries ākonga.

Toi Ohomai Education Pathways Specialist, Nathan Stewart, says the September breakfast event provided benefits for both the visiting secondary school students and Toi Ohomai ākonga.

"As well as showcasing a range of practical learning opportunities at Toi Ohomai, our hospitality students also had the chance to share the knowledge and practical skills they've developed throughout their training.

“A special acknowledgement goes to Marco, Giorgio and their students. They can all be extremely proud of the way they delivered such engaging and interactive workshops. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to connect with the young leaders helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved.

"We've received awesome feedback, including from our partner organisations. The young leaders in attendance really enjoyed the hands-on approach of the breakfast event, as well as the opportunity to work alongside and interact with our students,” Nathan says.