List of Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships in South Africa 2027

Updated List of Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships in South Africa 2027. The hospitality and tourism industry remains one of South Africa’s largest employers and a major contributor to economic growth. From luxury hotels and resorts to travel agencies and tourism organizations, the sector offers numerous opportunities for young people looking to build rewarding careers.

For school leavers, unemployed youth, and graduates, Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships provide an excellent opportunity to gain workplace experience while studying towards a nationally recognized qualification.

This guide provides an evergreen and highly SEO-optimized list of Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships in South Africa for 2027 and beyond.

What Is a Hospitality and Tourism Learnership?

A hospitality and tourism learnership is a structured training programme that combines:

Theoretical classroom learning;
Practical workplace experience;
Industry mentorship;
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) accredited qualifications.

These programmes are usually aligned with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), which is responsible for skills development within the tourism and hospitality sectors in South Africa.

Learnerships help participants acquire practical skills required by hotels, resorts, restaurants, lodges, travel companies, and tourism organizations.

Benefits of Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships

Participating in a learnership offers several advantages:

1. Monthly Stipend

Most programmes provide financial assistance during training.

2. Workplace Experience

Learners gain hands-on exposure in real hospitality environments.

3. Nationally Recognized Qualifications

Many programmes lead to qualifications registered on the NQF.

4. Improved Employment Prospects

Practical experience makes candidates more competitive in the job market.

List of Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships in South Africa 2027

Below are some of the most popular hospitality and tourism learnership opportunities available in South Africa.

1. Sun International Learnership 2027

Sun International is one of South Africa’s leading hospitality and entertainment companies, operating hotels, casinos, and resorts across the country.

Training Areas

Hotel Operations
Food and Beverage Services
Housekeeping
Customer Service
Hospitality Management

Sun International learnerships provide practical experience in world-class hospitality establishments and are often aligned with CATHSSETA requirements.

Ideal Candidates

Grade 12 graduates
Unemployed South African youth
Individuals passionate about customer service

2. Tsogo Sun Learnership 2027

Tsogo Sun is one of the largest hotel, gaming, and entertainment groups in South Africa.

Areas Covered

Front Office Operations
Food Preparation
Hospitality Services
Guest Relations
Accommodation Services

The company has historically partnered with CATHSSETA to support skills development initiatives.

Why Consider Tsogo Sun?

Exposure to luxury hospitality environments;
Career advancement opportunities;
Industry-recognized training.

3. Southern Sun Learnership 2027

Southern Sun is one of South Africa’s most recognized hotel brands with properties throughout Southern Africa.

Programme Focus

Hotel Administration
Guest Services
Food and Beverage Operations
Reception Services
Hospitality Management

Southern Sun programmes are ideal for individuals interested in hotel operations and customer experience.

4. Protea Hotels Learnership 2027

Protea Hotels, part of Marriott International, operates numerous hotels throughout South Africa and Africa.

Training Areas

Housekeeping
Hotel Operations
Front Desk Management
Food and Beverage Services
Customer Relations

Protea Hotels has historically been among the employers participating in CATHSSETA-related skills development initiatives.

Career Opportunities

Successful learners may pursue careers as:

Receptionists;
Hotel Administrators;
Guest Relations Officers;
Hospitality Supervisors.

5. City Lodge Learnership 2027

City Lodge Hotel Group is one of South Africa’s most respected hotel chains.

Areas of Training

Accommodation Services
Guest Care
Reservations
Housekeeping
Hospitality Operations

City Lodge has historically been listed among hospitality employers supporting learnership opportunities in the sector.

Best Suited For

School leavers;
First-time job seekers;
Individuals interested in hotel careers.

6. Marriott Hotels Learnership 2027

Marriott International is one of the world’s largest hotel groups and offers opportunities for skills development through its South African properties.

Programme Fields

Hospitality Management
Culinary Services
Front Office Operations
Food and Beverage Management
Guest Experience

Working within an international hotel group provides learners with exposure to global hospitality standards.

Career Benefits

Participants can gain valuable experience that may open opportunities both locally and internationally.

7. South African Tourism Learnership 2027

South African Tourism is the country’s official tourism marketing organization and supports initiatives aimed at developing tourism professionals.

Areas Covered

Tourism Administration
Destination Marketing
Travel Services
Tourism Operations
Customer Service

Government tourism programmes have been used to equip unemployed youth with practical skills and recognized qualifications in hospitality and tourism.

Ideal Candidates

Grade 12 graduates;
Tourism diploma holders;
Young South Africans interested in promoting tourism.

Other Hospitality and Tourism Learnership Opportunities

Besides the programmes listed above, South Africa also offers opportunities through:

CATHSSETA programmes;
Department of Tourism initiatives;
Lodges and game reserves;
Restaurants and catering companies;
Event management organizations.

CATHSSETA funds and supports learnerships across tourism, hospitality, sport, and cultural sectors.

Skills You Can Gain Through Hospitality Learnerships

Hospitality and tourism programmes help learners develop:

Customer Service Skills

Communication;
Problem-solving;
Guest relations.

Food and Beverage Skills

Food preparation;
Restaurant operations;
Service standards.

Hotel Operations Skills

Reservations;
Housekeeping;
Front office management.

Tourism Management Skills

Tour coordination;
Destination marketing;
Travel administration.

Leadership Skills

Teamwork;
Time management;
Professional conduct.

Minimum Requirements for Hospitality Learnerships

Requirements vary by employer, but applicants generally need:

South African citizenship;
Valid South African ID;
Grade 12 certificate;
Good communication skills;
Ability to work with people;
Passion for hospitality and tourism.

Some programmes may require:

Hospitality or tourism qualifications;
Previous experience;
Computer literacy.

Documents Required When Applying

Prepare the following documents:

Updated CV;
Certified copy of your ID;
Certified Matric certificate;
Academic transcripts (if applicable);
Proof of residence;
Additional qualifications and certificates.

How to Apply for Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships

Step 1: Visit Company Career Pages

Most employers advertise opportunities on their official websites.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Ensure your documents are updated and certified.

Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications submitted after the closing date are generally not accepted.

Step 4: Attend Interviews and Assessments

Shortlisted candidates may complete:

Interviews;
Aptitude tests;
Psychometric assessments.

Step 5: Begin Workplace Training

Successful candidates receive both classroom and practical training.

Career Opportunities After Completing a Hospitality Learnership

Completing a hospitality learnership can lead to careers such as:

Hotel Receptionist;
Guest Relations Officer;
Food and Beverage Supervisor;
Housekeeping Supervisor;
Tourism Officer;
Travel Consultant;
Events Coordinator;
Accommodation Manager;
Front Office Administrator;
Restaurant Supervisor.

Because hospitality and tourism remain key sectors in South Africa, skilled professionals continue to be in demand. Hospitality learnerships are specifically designed to provide learners with practical experience that improves employability.

Hospitality and Tourism Learnerships in South Africa provide an excellent pathway into one of the country’s most dynamic industries. Programmes offered by Sun International, Tsogo Sun, Southern Sun, Protea Hotels, City Lodge, Marriott Hotels, and South African Tourism allow learners to gain practical skills, recognized qualifications, and valuable work experience.

If you enjoy working with people, delivering excellent service, and building memorable experiences for guests, a hospitality and tourism learnership could be the perfect first step toward a successful and rewarding career.