Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme 2026/2027 – Food & Beverage Services and Professional Cookery | Matric – Apply by 18 October 2026
Employer: South African Department of Tourism
Programme: 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme
Training Fields: Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery
Location: Seven Provinces Across South Africa
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Overview
The South African Department of Tourism is inviting applications from unemployed young South Africans for its 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme, offering training opportunities in Food and Beverage Services and Professional Cookery.
This government skills development initiative aims to equip unemployed youth with practical hospitality skills and improve their employment prospects within South Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The programme is designed for young people who have completed Matric and are interested in building careers in restaurants, hotels, catering establishments and other hospitality environments.
Successful applicants will participate in a 12-month skills development programme and receive a daily stipend of R200 during the training period, subject to the programme’s payment arrangements.
Training opportunities are available across selected towns and regions in seven provinces:
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- North West
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Gauteng
The programme targets unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 years who have Matric, are fluent in English and demonstrate a passion for tourism and hospitality.
Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants who previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills programmes will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 18 October 2026.
Available Training Programmes
The Department of Tourism is offering skills development opportunities in two hospitality-related areas.
1. Food and Beverage Services Training Programme
This training area is suitable for individuals interested in developing skills relevant to serving food and beverages in hospitality establishments.
Participants may gain exposure to practical activities associated with food and beverage service operations.
Potential Training Areas
- Food and beverage service procedures.
- Customer service in hospitality environments.
- Restaurant service practices.
- Preparing service areas.
- Table preparation and presentation.
- Serving food and beverages.
- Hygiene and cleanliness.
- Workplace communication.
- Teamwork in hospitality environments.
- Professional conduct when dealing with guests.
These are examples of skills associated with food and beverage service training. The advertisement does not provide a detailed training curriculum.
2. Professional Cookery Training Programme
This training area is suitable for individuals interested in developing culinary skills and gaining practical experience relevant to professional kitchens.
Potential Training Areas
- Basic food preparation.
- Kitchen hygiene and sanitation.
- Safe food handling.
- Preparing ingredients.
- Basic cooking techniques.
- Kitchen organisation.
- Food presentation.
- Proper handling of kitchen equipment.
- Teamwork in a professional kitchen.
- Workplace safety.
These are illustrative culinary learning areas rather than a confirmed list of modules.
Training Locations
The Department of Tourism is accepting applications from the following provinces and towns or regions.
1. Northern Cape
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Kuruman and Kathu.
- Upington.
- Springbok.
2. Eastern Cape
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).
- Lusikisiki.
- Mthatha.
3. Free State
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Phuthaditjhaba and Harrismith.
- Sasolburg and Parys.
- Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon.
4. North West
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Potchefstroom.
- Mafikeng (Mahikeng).
- Klerksdorp.
5. Limpopo
Applicants from the following area are invited to apply:
- Giyani.
6. Mpumalanga
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Ermelo.
- Malelane.
7. Gauteng
Applicants from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Pretoria.
- Soshanguve.
Important: Applicants should confirm their eligibility based on the towns and regions listed in the official advertisement. The programme is not advertised as a nationwide placement opportunity in every municipality.
Key Responsibilities and Training Expectations
The Department of Tourism has not provided a detailed list of daily responsibilities.
However, successful participants will be expected to take part in the 12-month skills development programme and comply with the training requirements.
1. Participate in Skills Training
Beneficiaries will be expected to:
– Participate in the prescribed training programme.
– Attend required training activities.
– Develop practical hospitality skills.
– Follow instructions from trainers and supervisors.
– Demonstrate commitment to learning.
2. Develop Workplace Skills
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Gain exposure to hospitality work environments.
- Develop professional communication skills.
- Improve teamwork.
- Learn workplace procedures.
- Develop a customer-service mindset.
3. Follow Workplace Requirements
Beneficiaries must be prepared to:
- Work flexible hours.
- Participate in activities during weekends when required.
- Work on public holidays when required.
- Follow applicable workplace procedures.
- Demonstrate professionalism and reliability.
4. Complete the Training Programme
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Sign a contract covering the training period.
- Participate in the programme for 12 months.
- Meet the applicable training requirements.
- Demonstrate commitment to completing the programme.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
1. Age Requirement
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old.
2. Educational Qualification
- Must have Matric / Grade 12.
3. English Language Ability
- Must be fluent in English.
4. Employment Status
- Must be unemployed.
5. Residence
- Must provide proof of residence.
- Applicants should be from the advertised provinces and towns or regions.
6. Availability
Applicants must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including:
- Weekends.
- Public holidays.
- Other hours required by the training programme.
7. Interest in Hospitality
Applicants must:
- Have a passion for tourism and hospitality.
- Demonstrate a willingness to grow within the sector.
8. Previous Participation
Applicants who previously participated in the Department of Tourism’s learnership or skills programmes will not be considered.
Required Skills and Personal Attributes
The following qualities are relevant to the programme:
- Good communication skills.
- Fluency in English.
- Customer service orientation.
- Willingness to learn.
- Teamwork.
- Reliability.
- Time management.
- Positive attitude.
- Professionalism.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Interest in food preparation or food service.
- Adaptability to flexible working hours.
- Commitment to completing training.
These are recommended qualities relevant to hospitality training, rather than additional formal requirements.
Daily Stipend
Successful beneficiaries will receive a stipend of:
R200 per day
The advertisement specifies a daily stipend rather than a fixed monthly salary.
For illustration:
| Number of Paid Days | Illustrative Stipend |
|---|---|
| 20 days | R4,000 |
| 21 days | R4,200 |
| 22 days | R4,400 |
These figures are examples calculated at R200 per day. Actual payments will depend on the programme’s rules and the number of eligible paid days.
Programme Duration
12 Months
The Culinary Skills Programme runs for a period of 12 months.
Successful candidates will be required to sign a contract covering the duration of their training.
The programme is intended to provide practical skills development and improve participants’ employment prospects in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Permanent employment after completion is not guaranteed in the advertisement.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be suitable for:
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35.
- Matric graduates.
- Individuals interested in professional cookery.
- Young people interested in food and beverage services.
- Applicants who want to develop hospitality skills.
- Individuals interested in restaurants and hotels.
- Applicants interested in culinary careers.
- Young people willing to work flexible hours.
- Residents of the advertised towns and regions.
- Persons living with disabilities who meet the requirements.
- Applicants who have not previously participated in the department’s learnership or skills programmes.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An updated CV containing:
- Full name.
- Contact details.
- Residential address.
- Educational background.
- Relevant skills.
- Experience, if applicable.
2. Certified South African ID Copy
A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document.
3. Proof of Residence
Documentation confirming the applicant’s residential address.
4. Matric Certificate
A copy of the applicant’s Matric certificate.
Important: Failure to submit the required documents will result in the application not being considered.
Selection Process
The Department of Tourism states that shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
Application Screening
Applications will be reviewed against the advertised requirements.
Shortlisting
Candidates who meet the selection criteria may be shortlisted.
Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will be subjected to interviews to assess their suitability.
Final Selection
Successful candidates will be required to sign a contract for the 12-month training period.
Only shortlisted candidates will receive correspondence.
If applicants have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Possible Interview Questions
Applicants preparing for the Culinary Skills Programme may consider the following questions:
- Why do you want to join the Department of Tourism Culinary Skills Programme?
- Why are you interested in the hospitality industry?
- What do you understand about professional cookery?
- What do you know about food and beverage services?
- Why is customer service important in hospitality?
- How would you handle a difficult customer?
- Why is hygiene important when preparing food?
- Are you willing to work weekends and public holidays?
- How do you work under pressure?
- Describe a time when you worked successfully with others.
- What are your career goals?
- Why should you be selected for this programme?
- What would you do if a supervisor corrected your work?
- How would you handle a busy restaurant environment?
- What skills do you hope to gain from the programme?
These are suggested preparation questions and are not confirmed Department of Tourism interview questions.
CV Tips for Applicants
1. Highlight Your Matric Qualification
Clearly state that you have completed Grade 12.
Include the school name and year of completion.
2. Demonstrate Your Interest in Hospitality
Applicants should highlight their genuine interest in:
- Cooking.
- Food preparation.
- Customer service.
- Restaurants.
- Hotels.
- Catering.
- Tourism.
- Hospitality.
3. Include Relevant Experience
If you have experience helping with cooking, catering, community events or customer service, include it where relevant.
Formal work experience is not listed as a requirement.
4. Write a Strong Personal Profile
Example Personal Profile:
Motivated and unemployed Matric graduate with a strong interest in food preparation, customer service and the hospitality industry. Eager to develop practical skills through the Department of Tourism’s 2026/2027 Culinary Skills Programme. Willing to work flexible hours, participate in structured training and build a professional career in tourism and hospitality.
5. Prepare Your Documents
Ensure that your CV, certified ID copy, Matric certificate and proof of residence are ready before beginning the online application.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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