George Herald | Project provides on the job training

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Project provides on the job training
10:06 (GMT+2), Fri, 22 June 2012

GEORGE NEWS - The Tourism Ambassador Project, a learnership initiative of the National Department of Tourism, aimed at equipping trainees with in-depth skills and knowledge to excel in the hospitality and tourism industry, was launched on Tuesday at the George Civic Centre.

Mayor of George, Charles Standers said the municipality supported the initiative by helping to facilitate the project: "We assisted by advertising the programme and with the venues for the tests and interviews.

"I want to thank all the role-players that not only facilitated this process, but through their participation and placement of the youth, played a significant role in relieving unemployment amongst the youth, addressing poverty and focusing on letting George grow."

The induction took place on Monday at the George Civic Centre York Street. George Municipality's Manager: Economic Development, Carli Bunding-Venter said: "The George Municipality is committed to the fight against youth unemployment. We will continue to facilitate access to any national or provincial programmes that address this massive challenge. We are currently facilitating a process to source host employers for the Western Cape Government's Work and Skills Programme, also specifically aimed at the youth.

"The Tourism Ambassador training project is implemented by Networx for Career Development in the Western Cape. We are placing 350 learners in the Western Cape. Wilderness SANParks has 25 learners and we are also placing 25 learners in George, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna."

A learnership is a 12-month form of work-based or on the job training, which relates to an occupation and leads to an NQF registered qualification. Learners on the programme will therefore spend some time learning and practising skills in the workplace. Some theory is provided, usually in a classroom based situation through an institution.

Learnerships are linked to the Skills Development Strategy and are seen as an important way of addressing the skills' shortage in South Africa.

The targeted qualifications are a certificate in Food and Beverage Services and a Certificate in Accommodation Services.

Following the registration of the learnership with a SETA, the host employer is eligible to claim a tax incentive from SARS.

*Commenting afterwards on the project, Bernard Theron Food and Beverage Manager of the Protea Hotel King George said, "We are excited to have eight trainees and training is already underway."

Trainees were also placed at Fancourt and at Eden Wood Guest House.