Hospitality students at the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute on Rarotonga are getting some hands on experience this week.

Several of them have been busy over the past week creating dishes and serving drinks to the public at the Ngatangiia Campus.

Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute hospitality tutor Ovaia Liew said nine graduating students of the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Cafe Service and Restaurant Service Stands) Level 3 are set to receive their qualifications soon.

Their final “Kai Reka Production” for 2022 has been open to the public for three days. 

Cafe production is part of the student qualifications and is being assessed.

All food and beverages are prepared by the students who have studied part time for about eight months.

Liew said most of them already have jobs in the industry, while some have moved on to other industry practices.

That includes two students, who have special learning needs, both had secured employment, she said. 

Toasties, wraps, chicken, salad, baked food, and hot and cold drinks were on offer.