The South African Department of Tourism has launched two skills development programmes: the Chefs Training and Wine Service Training programmes. The programmes are targeting South African youth and applications are currently open.

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In an interview with Eat Out, Susan De Bruin, the Director of External Communications at the Department of Tourism, explains the aim of the programmes and the impact that they will have on the industry.

“We have advertised the learnership to ensure that as many young people are provided with the information and the equal opportunities to participate in the tourism industry. In general, the learnerships provide learners with skills within the tourism industry for better opportunities. Moreover, the programmes create temporary jobs for unemployed people through the implementation of EPWP, focusing on the youth, women and people with disabilities – thus contributing towards poverty alleviation through the payment of a stipend.”

Chefs Training Programme

The Chefs Training Programme focuses on educating and equipping selected learners with the skills to become competent chefs and gain employment in the hospitality industry.

Selected learners will be awarded a National Certificate in Professional Cookery which is a (14111) NQF level 4, CATHSSETA accredited certification.

Interested applicants must adhere to the following requirements:

• Applicants must be South African and aged 18–35 years
• Applicants must be located in the Free State Province
• Must have a Matric certificate and be proficient in English
• All applications must include a CV, motivational letter, certified ID copy, proof of residence and any other applicable certificates.
• If an applicant has participated in any skill development programmes hosted by the department in must be declared in the motivational letter

Applications must be submitted with a CV and motivational letter to graduates@networxgroup.co.za.

The programme will take place over 12 months and each selected candidate will receive R150 stipend each day. Applications close on 27 August 2021.

Wine Service Training Programme

Conducted over 12 months, the Wine Service Training Programme equips learners with the skills to become qualified sommeliers. The course is split into 30% theory and 7% practical training. In addition, participating candidates are provided with customer service skills.

Interested applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the programme:

• Applicants must be South African and between the ages of 18 and 35 years
• Applicants must have a Matric certificate with a proficiency in English
• Must reside in the Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal
• If an applicant has participated in any skill development programmes hosted by the department in must be declared in the motivational letter

Applicants must submit a CV, motivational letter, certified ID copy, proof of residence and any other relevant certificates. Successful candidates will receive a R150 stipend each day.

Applications must be submitted to training@calypsogroup.co.za before 27 August 2021.

De Bruin highlights that successful candidates from either programme will receive accredited certifications.

“Participants acquire full qualifications of various NQF levels offered through a learnership programme covering 30% classroom learning and 70% workplace training. The programme provides an opportunity for unemployed youth to acquire skills, gain practical work experience and enhance their employability within the hospitality sector.”

Eat Out supporting local young individuals in the restaurant and hospitality sector

To upskill previously disadvantaged South African youth, New Media opened the Eat Out Food School, a training programme that is dedicated to uplifting and equipping 11 young individuals with the skills to enter the restaurant industry.

The Eat Out Food School officially opened on 15 February 2021 and has partnered with several leaders in the hospitality and restaurant industry to expose the selected young and talented individuals to real-life and practical experience.

The School is currently calling for donations to help support its students and the impactful training programme. Monetary donations can be made to the following bank account details:

Bank: FNB

Account: Community Chest of the WC

Account No: 6284 9675 519

Branch Code: 210554

SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ

Donations are also accepted in the following forms:

• Through the form of teaching the young 11 students in your personal kitchen space or hosting them for a practical training session
• Donation of ingredients required for the school’s cooking classes