So Harada
Café and Barista
"I studied Professional Wine and Bar service at Aoraki
Polytechnic in 2005. I was mainly interested in gaining barista
skills, but the certificate covered all aspects of hospitality
and really helped me to develop my career. After I finished my
Certificate at Aoraki I worked at a cafe in Queenstown for
three years, I got the job from previous work experience I had
completed through Aoraki Polytechnic.
I returned home to Japan and now work as an associate manager at
a restaurant in Yokohama-city. I do everything from being a waiter,
bar person, cooking, management of sales and soon also I will
be using my barista skills.
I strongly recommend the programme to people who are looking
for a career in hospitality. Aoraki's tutors are very
professional and their restaurant and kitchens are excellent. The
programme covers a whole range of important skills and knowledge in
the hospitality industry and my qualification helped me start my
career in both New Zealand and back here in Japan.
In the near future I look forward to starting my own
restaurant or cafe."