KIMBERLEY – Learners from the Northern Cape Province graduated from the Hospitality Youth Training Programme with CATHSSETA accredited national certificates in Food and Beverages NQF level 4, and National Certificate in Accommodation Services NQF Level 2.
More than a hundred and seventeen (117) learners participated in a 12-month Hospitality Youth Training Programme conducted by the Department of Tourism under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre in Kimberley, Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe applauded the learners on their achievement, and encouraged them to utilise their qualification to advance themselves and contribute to economic transformation.
“In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that 2018 is a year of renewal, and he has high expectations for the tourism sector. He has tasked us to grow the tourism market and to double the number of employment opportunities in the sector, with a special focus on skills development.”
“Since 2011, our skills development programmes have capacitated more than 2500 young South Africans in the tourism value chain, and has created more than 60% employment opportunities domestically and abroad.”
“I applaud your efforts in achieving your CATHSSETA accredited qualifications today, but I urge you to consider advancing yourselves beyond this point to be the future employment creators in our sector,” said Deputy Minister Thabethe.
The Hospitality Youth Training Programme is comprised of 30% theory and 70% practical training. Learners were afforded an opportunity to gain workplace experience at various hospitality establishments within the Northern Cape. Fifteen (15) learners have received permanent employment, with the remainder being on fixed term contracts.
Deputy Minister Thabethe lauded the supportive role played by the hospitality industry in the province in ensuring that the training programme was a success.
“The success of this training programme is shared with the industry stakeholders who partnered with us to provided in-house practical training for the learners. To them I say thank you for rallying behind this initiative, and for upskilling the tourism ambassadors that are graduating today,” concluded Thabethe.
The Hospitality Youth Training Programme is part of a greater objective of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016-2026 to ensure an adequately skilled and professional tourism workforce that can deliver a world-class visitor experience.
Deputy Minister Thabethe and the Executive from Sol Plaatje Local Municipality took time to also engage with the local community at an Imbizo held at the Galeshwe Recreational Centre in Kimberley.
The Imbizo focused on the tourism opportunities that are available in the sector for the youth, women and entrepreneurs.
For further information on the Department’s Skills Development Programmes visit
www.tourism.gov.za
Enquiries:
Ms Susan de Bruin
Director: External Communications
Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6605
Cell: +27 (0) 83 921 7303