Thousands of chefs are being sought after for culinary jobs in the Australia market.

Ausphin, an Australian hospitality training and employment company, has returned to Fiji to scout for local talent.

The company carried out a reconnaissance mission last month where as many as 300 people turned up.

The persistence of 80 interested people was part of the reason the company has returned for a a recruitment assessment in Fiji.

The 10-year old company said its purpose was to create pathways for individuals to join the Australian workforce.

“We are the leading recruitment and training company in Australia for the hospitality industry,” founder and chief executive officer, Rachelle Yilmaz, said.

Assessment
She is in the country for a recruitment assessment that is underway at Fiji National University’s Namaka campus, Nadi.

“We are here to assist a lot of Fijian people, especially in hospitality, to have a better opportunity in Australia,” Ms Yilmaz said.

Living The Dream
Thousands of candidates are living the Australian dream, through Ausphin, she said.

“We provide the same opportunities across different countries.”

Ausphin is present in the Philippines, Singapore, Dubai and Maldives.

“Our company has a school in Australia, providing culinary courses and hospitality courses,” she said.

“The core business of Ausphin is recruitment training.”

“We are in partnership with the majority of all the venues and hospitality groups in Australia.”

Why Fiji
Australia is aware of Fiji’s culinary reputation as a Pacific Island and holiday destination.

“When the border opened, there was a travel bubble between Fiji and Australia, and we have always questioned why we haven’t seen a lot of massive movement from Fiji to Australia, considering there’s a huge skill shortage in hospitality,” Ms Yilmaz said.

“Australia is currently facing a critical shortage in the hospitality industry,” she said.

Endless Opportunities
Ms Yilmaz said the opportunities were endless.

“There are thousands of positions that we wanted to fill in.”

“Our aim is to get the Fijian workers in Australia as soon as possible.”

“A lot of our candidates do get a minimum of 60,000 Australian dollars a year and more depending on their experience.”

“We have a 99 per cent success rate.”

“A lot of our candidates that started with us about 10 years ago are now citizens who do have their home.”

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj