Earning While Learning

Evelyn Te Kaawa Ripia is hoping to use her skills to travel the world. 

The 19-year-old wants to be a chef, cooking and finding inspiration in all corners of the world. 

Evelyn is studying Culinary Arts (Level 4) through a Toi Ohomai industry delivery programme, meaning she is learning on the job. Much like an apprenticeship, she will earn her qualification through Toi Ohomai, but the majority of her learning is in industry. She receives support from tutors at Toi Ohomai and has to complete assessments.

The former Rotorua Girls’ High School student says she was interested in pursuing a culinary career in high school and took some culinary courses. 

Her main inspiration was her brother who previously studied Culinary Arts at Toi Ohomai and was working as a chef. 

“He recommended the tutors and the course. So, I decided to give it a go.” 

After school Evelyn got a job as a waitress at popular Rotorua attraction Te Puia, which gave her a good insight into the industry. When the opportunity arose to move into the kitchen and study culinary arts, Evelyn jumped at the chance. 

“It was a tricky transition, going from the front of house to the kitchen, but everyone has been so supportive. Working as a waitress definitely gave me a good insight into what working in the industry would be like.”

She says the pace of the kitchen is different to the front of house, but she is thriving on the challenges she faces in the kitchen. 

Evelyn says the industry delivery course is great to encourage more people to get into the hospitality industry, which is currently facing a staffing shortage.

“It’s great being able to earn money and study at the same time. You don’t have to choose between working and studying.” 

She says she gets great support from both her colleagues at Te Puia as well as her tutors at Toi Ohomai. 

“At work everyone is really supportive, and I can just ask questions and the chefs are great at showing me different things, like different knife skills. 

“I also get good support from Toi Ohomai, I can choose to come into classes if I feel I need a bit more help with different things.” 

Evelyn hopes to one day take her skills overseas.

“I love learning all the different techniques from different styles of cooking and then combining them to make something different.” 

She says despite the challenges of the hospitality industry it’s a rewarding place to work. 

“I think you just need to work hard, keep an open mind and have good time management. If you can do that, then you’ll succeed.”