
Dept of Tourism Professional Cookery Learnerships 2025
Introduction
The Department of Tourism, in partnership with Harambe, is offering an exciting Professional Cookery Learnership Programme in Northern Cape. This 12-month programme aims to empower unemployed youth with skills and qualifications in the hospitality and tourism industry. Participants will gain valuable hands-on training in professional cookery, opening up employment opportunities in restaurants, hotels, lodges, and the broader tourism sector.
This learnership is specifically targeted at South African youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are passionate about building a career in hospitality. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will sign a fixed-term contract for the full duration of the programme.
What is the Department of Tourism?
The Department of Tourism plays a vital role in growing South Africa’s tourism sector, creating sustainable job opportunities, and ensuring skills development for the country’s youth. Through learnerships and training programmes, the Department helps bridge the unemployment gap while equipping young people with skills that align with the needs of the hospitality and service industries.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Professional Cookery Learnership Programme – Northern Cape, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Hold a Matric certificate with fluency in English
- Preferably have a qualification in Tourism or Hospitality (advantageous but not mandatory)
- Provide certified copies of all certificates
- Submit a comprehensive CV with a motivational letter
- Include a certified copy of their South African ID
- Provide proof of residence and any additional relevant certificates
- Be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Demonstrate a passion for tourism, hospitality, and professional cookery
- Declare if they have previously participated in any Department of Tourism learnerships or skills programmes
Role Responsibility
Participants in this cookery learnership will be required to:
- Complete a structured 12-month training programme
- Attend both theoretical and practical sessions in cookery and hospitality
- Participate in workplace learning at approved tourism and hospitality establishments
- Deliver high-quality service while adhering to hospitality standards
- Work flexible shifts, including weekends and public holidays when necessary
- Demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the industry
Skills and Attributes
The ideal candidate for this learnership should possess the following skills and attributes:
- Strong passion for food, hospitality, and customer service
- Willingness to learn new cooking techniques and service standards
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain attention to detail
- Flexibility to work in different environments within the hospitality sector
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Self-motivation, reliability, and a professional work ethic
Why Apply for This Learnership?
This Professional Cookery Learnership Programme offers:
- A monthly stipend of R4,600 during the 12-month contract
- Practical training in a professional hospitality environment
- Valuable work experience in the tourism and hospitality industry
- An opportunity to launch a career as a chef, cook, or hospitality professional
- Government-supported training that enhances employability and career growth
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- Detailed CV
- Motivational letter
- Certified copies of ID and Matric certificate (and any additional qualifications)
- Proof of residence
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. If you have not heard back within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Apply: