Since opening its doors in 1996, Sails Restaurant and Bar* has certainly been a training ground for many school leavers. 

From a taro plantation worker to being a Kitchenhand to being a Cook. Other school leavers developed initially as Hospitality trainees to become professional Food and Beverage Service Managers. 

Sails Restaurant offered many young people, over the years, who had no formal academic qualifications, to acquire a set of skills, and an opportunity to develop themselves personally. 

One of them, Solomona Amosa, started at Sails two years ago. Educated at Leifiifi College and with very limited experience he has been able to become a popular Hospitality crew with locals and visitors alike at Sails. 

Matalena Iosefo of Faleasi’u, was educated at A’ana First College, and attended National University of Samoa in Commerce. 

Unfortunately,  family circumstances meant she was unable to complete her goal of being an Accountant. However securing employment at Sails almost a year ago has helped her develop accounting practices, as well as public relations and customer service. 

“When I came to Sails, I had no experience whatsoever in this work, but with Management support and training I was given, I have learnt so much about hospitality service and our work,” Ms. Iosefo. 

“I’ve also learnt Food and Beverage Service and skills, mixing cocktails and drinks, even though I’m not a drinker - but the basics of service is always,  ‘o le fa’aaloalo’”. 

According to Mr. Amosa, “This job requires people who are honest, understand hard work, and enjoy service and talking with people.”

Amosa said, “Attitude is very important, how you communicate with, and look after people is very important.”

At Sails, their slogan is “Celebrate life”, not just for their Guests, but also for their team. 

Proprietor of Sails, Lyvia Black says, “We believe and try to impart on our team that we must always remember to celebrate life, in whatever we do -  for when we enjoy what we do, it makes work easy, fun and a pleasure. It’s all in the attitude!”

*Sails was closed during the weekend for renovations. Check out their new look when it reopens today.