The Department of Tourism is inviting unemployed young South Africans to apply for the 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme in Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery. This 12-month skills development opportunity is designed to help young people gain practical skills and prepare for potential employment in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Successful applicants will receive a daily stipend of R200 while participating in the programme.
The training focuses on food and beverage services and professional cookery, making it relevant to individuals interested in working in restaurants, hotels, catering businesses and other hospitality establishments.
Applications are open to eligible candidates from selected towns across seven provinces. People living with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
The stated closing date is 29 December 2026.
Department of Tourism Skills Programme 2026/2027: Key Details
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Tourism |
| Programme | Culinary Skills Programme |
| Training Areas | Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | R200 per day |
| Target Group | Unemployed young South Africans |
| Minimum Qualification | Matric certificate |
| Age Requirement | 18–35 years |
| Provinces | Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng |
| Closing Date | 16 January 2027 |
About the Culinary Skills Programme
The Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme aims to develop practical skills relevant to food preparation, professional cookery and food and beverage services.
These skills are important within the hospitality sector, which includes hotels, restaurants, catering companies and other businesses that serve tourists and members of the public.
During the 12-month programme, successful applicants will participate in skills development intended to improve their understanding of hospitality work and prepare them for potential employment opportunities.
The programme may suit young people who enjoy cooking, working with food, assisting customers and working in a service-oriented environment.
Applicants should be aware that hospitality work can involve flexible working hours, including weekends and public holidays. Candidates must be willing to meet these workplace expectations.
Available Provinces and Towns
The supplied recruitment information identifies the following areas for the programme.
Northern Cape
- Kuruman
- Kathu
- Upington
- Springbok
Eastern Cape
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
- Lusikisiki
- Mthatha
Free State
- Phuthaditjhaba
- Harrismith
- Sasolburg
- Parys
- Kroonstad
- Viljoenskroon
North West
- Potchefstroom
- Mafikeng (Mahikeng)
- Klerksdorp
Limpopo
- Giyani
Mpumalanga
- Ermelo
- Malelane
Gauteng
- Pretoria
- Soshanguve
Applicants should consult the official application form to confirm which locations have available placements and whether any location-specific conditions apply.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Department of Tourism Skills Development Programme, applicants must meet the stated eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have a Matric certificate.
- Be fluent in English.
- Be unemployed.
- Have a genuine interest in tourism and hospitality.
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
- Provide a certified copy of their South African identity document.
- Provide proof of residence.
- Submit a certified copy of their Matric certificate.
Important: Applicants who have previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills development programmes will not be considered, according to the supplied recruitment information.
People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should check the official advert for any additional eligibility conditions before submitting their applications.
Training Areas and Skills Development
The programme focuses on two main areas: food and beverage services and professional cookery.
1. Food and Beverage Services
This area relates to the service side of hospitality. Depending on the programme curriculum, learners may develop skills relevant to customer service, food service procedures, professional communication and maintaining appropriate service standards.
2. Professional Cookery
Professional cookery focuses on food preparation and kitchen practices. Training may introduce learners to food preparation methods, kitchen organisation, hygiene and safe food-handling practices.
The exact subjects, practical assessments and learning activities will depend on the official programme curriculum and Training arrangements
Stipend and Programme Duration
Successful participants will receive a stipend of R200 per day during the 12-month programme.
The stipend is intended to provide financial support while learners participate in training. However, the total amount received each month may depend on the number of eligible training or participation days and the programme’s payment arrangements.
Applicants should not assume that the daily stipend is equivalent to a fixed monthly salary. The programme is a skills development opportunity rather than a permanent employment appointment. Hospitality Employment Services
What qualification is required?
Applicants must have a Matric certificate.
Who can apply?
Unemployed South Africans aged 18–35 who meet the stated requirements and have not previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills development programmes may apply.
Which areas are included?
The supplied list includes selected towns in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Can people living with disabilities apply?
Yes. People living with disabilities are encouraged to submit applications.
What is the closing date?
The stated closing date is 13 January 2027.
Final Thoughts
The programme may be suitable for candidates interested in hospitality careers who meet the age, education and other eligibility conditions.
Prepare the required documents, confirm the availability of placements in your preferred area and follow the official application instructions before the closing date.
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