Cookery and Hospitality Learnership For S.A Youths At Department of Tourism- APPLY NOW
Are you passionate about hospitality, eager to build a career in food service, and seeking structured training to get there? Good news — the Department of Tourism, in partnership with Harambee, is currently offering Professional Cookery Learnership Programmes across several provinces. These programs offer unemployed youth the chance to gain on-the-job experience, build skills, and improve employability in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Here’s everything you need to know — from eligibility to how to apply — for the Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape learnerships.
What Are These Learnerships About?
The Professional Cookery Learnership Programme is a 12-month structured training scheme where successful candidates will sign a contract for the duration of the programme. The training combines hands-on kitchen experience with theoretical instruction, equipping participants with practical cookery skills and industry insights.
The key objectives are to:
- Create pathways into the hospitality and tourism sector for unemployed youth
- Provide meaningful workplace experience under guided supervision
- Encourage youth inclusion, including persons with disabilities
These learnerships are offered regionally, so depending on the opportunity you apply for, your location of training may differ.
Provincial Opportunities at a Glance
Northern Cape
This learnership is open to youth based in the Northern Cape. The training will take place within that province. Applicants must be ready to work flexible hours including weekends and public holidays.
Gauteng
If you live in or near Gauteng or are willing to relocate, this Gauteng-based programme offers the same 12-month cookery training. It’s ideal for those who want to be in or near South Africa’s economic hub.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape opportunity mirrors the others in scope and duration. It is designed for youth in that region or those willing to move there.
Each provincial opening is targeted at the same demographic and maintains identical eligibility criteria (see next section).
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To ensure fairness and relevance, the learnerships have clear criteria. Prospective applicants should:
- Be between ages 18 and 35
- Have a Matric certificate
- Fluency in English is required
- A prior qualification in Tourism or Hospitality is preferred (if available)
- Submit a curriculum vitae (CV) accompanied by a motivational letter
- Provide certified copies of ID, proof of residence, and any relevant certificates
- Be able to work flexible hours (weekends/public holidays/in rotation)
- Declare any prior participation in similar departmental learnership or skills programs
They should note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and interviews will be used to assess suitability.
Persons with disabilities are expressly encouraged to apply, reflecting the programme’s inclusivity.
Benefits & What to Expect During Training
Real-World Experience
As these are not purely theoretical programmes, you’ll spend much of your time in real kitchens, learning under professional chefs, applying food preparation techniques, kitchen hygiene rules, portion management, and kitchen operations.
Structured Learning Path
You’ll follow a roadmap combining classroom instruction with hands-on practical tasks. This gives you both knowledge and experience — a major advantage when entering the job market.
Networking & Mentorship
You will engage with professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry, building contacts that may help with future placements or employment.
Career Readiness
On completing the 12 months, you’ll be in a stronger position to seek roles as cooks, chefs, kitchen assistants, or other roles in food service and hospitality.
How to Apply & What to Do Next
- Prepare your documents: CV, motivational letter, certified IDs, proof of residence, and any certificates.
- Check your local opportunity: Choose whether Northern Cape, Gauteng, or Eastern Cape works best for you.
- Submit your application before the deadline: Each listing specifies how many days are left to apply.
- Await notification: Only short-listed candidates are contacted, usually within two weeks after closing.
- Interview stage: If you pass the shortlist, you’ll be interviewed to assess suitability.
Be honest about prior programme participation, location preferences, and your commitment to the program.
Apply Using the Links Below
Professional Cookery Learnership Programme – Northern Cape
Professional Cookery Learnership Programme – Gauteng
Professional Cookery Learnership Programme – Eastern Cape
Why These Learnerships Matter
In today’s competitive job market, experience and skills count more than ever. These cookery learnerships offer youth a rare mix of formal training, real work exposure, and a tangible stepping stone into a rewarding field. By focusing on underserved groups, including people with disabilities, these programmes promote equity and opportunity in tourism and hospitality.
For those willing to commit, the 12-month journey can transform your culinary passion into a viable career path. You gain not only kitchen skills but also discipline, teamwork, customer focus, and an understanding of operations — all qualities valued by employers.
Final Thoughts
If you are aged 18–35, hold a Matric certificate, and dream of a career in the hospitality sector, these cookery learnerships are worth serious consideration. Choose the province that suits you best, gather your documents, and apply promptly. Even if competition is high, being shortlisted is a valuable milestone in itself.
Take this opportunity to elevate your skills, build your portfolio, and open doors to future roles in cooking, hospitality, or tourism. Your four seasons of dedication may lead to a lifetime of rewarding service behind the stove.
