The Hospitality industry remains one of the globe’s fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors, with unlimited opportunities for passionate graduates eager to make a mark. The Hospitality Learnership Application Programme will be leading the way in shaping tomorrow’s tourism, travel, food service, and hotel management professionals in 2025.
What Is a Hospitality Learnership Programme?
A learnership is a guided learning program that combines theory with practice in the workplace. Meant to enable learners—particularly young people and unemployed with practical life skills, learnerships are an incredibly powerful connection between education and employment.
The Hospitality Learnership Programme 2025 seeks to develop core skills in various areas of hospitality study such as:
Front Office Operations
Food and Beverage Services
Housekeeping
Events Coordination
Culinary Arts
Customer Service Excellence
Upon successful completion, participants are generally awarded a degree of national recognition—traditionally linked to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels—offering entry into the local and international labour market.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is generally open to:
Youth aged between 18–35
Those with a Grade 12 (Matric or equivalent) qualification
Unemployed individuals who want to skill themselves
Those who have an interest in hospitality and customer service
Although some programmes require prerequisites or subject requirements, many are open to first-time applicants who are willing to learn.
Benefits of the Programme
The Hospitality Learnership Programme 2025 has a number of benefits:
Stipend or Monthly Allowance: Students typically get a stipend during the duration of the programme.
Workplace Exposure: Practical exposure in real-life situations within genuine hospitality environments, hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Accredited Qualification: Genuine certificate or diploma upon passing.
Employment Opportunities: Successful students are absorbed into permanent jobs by most employers.
Career Pathways: Option to further specialize or progress to supervisory and managerial roles.
Key Partners and Institutions
In 2025, the programme can be supported by:
Department of Tourism
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
Private hotel groups and restaurant chains
Accredited training providers and TVET colleges
International hospitality schools
So, are you interested in pursuing a career in this industry? CATHSSETA can help you. We provide funding for bursaries, learnerships, internships and work integrated learning programmes. We also offer career advice.
If you are an employer in the industry, you can contact us on how you can access funding from CATHSSETA for your skills development interventions.
For more information about this sector or for career advice, please contact your nearest regional office.
Final Thoughts
With more tourist markets expanding and a global focus on experience-driven service, there has never been a better time to start a career in hospitality. The Hospitality Learnership Programme 2025 not only imparts skills to individuals but also helps develop confidence, professionalism, and people passion.
Whether you are a school leaver or someone looking to switch, this programme could be your ticket to an exciting and rewarding career.
