AKU Lodge has certified six students from Toaripi Vocational Centre in Gulf Province under its on-the-job training program, marking a milestone for the school in its inaugural year of operations. Since its establishment in 2007, Aku Lodge has supported vocational and technical schools in the tourism and hospitality industry, providing hands-on training to prepare students for employment. The initiative demonstrates the lodge’s commitment to social responsibility and workforce development.
This year, Aku Lodge hosted its first batch of students from Gulf Province, in addition to those from the National Capital District, Central, and Northern provinces. The six students from Toaripi Vocational Centre represent nine coastal villages in Gulf Province. Aku Lodge manager Edna Boina described the training program as a privilege, emphasising its importance in equipping students with practical skills for the tourism and hospitality sector.
“We aim to develop students and help them find job opportunities. Some of the students we train are also absorbed into our workforce,” she said. The OJT program extends to Airport Link Lodge and Gerehu Lodge, further broadening the training opportunities.
Toaripi Vocational Centre manager Alice Makao and instructor Kopi Kila expressed their gratitude for the collaboration. Kila, himself a former trainee of Aku Lodge, said it was fulfilling to bring his students to the lodge. The graduates received their certificates in a ceremony attended by t.