The National Department of Tourism (NDT) together with the Ubuntu Institute, Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA) and the Services SETA, have embarked on an initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap in the tourism sector through an exchange programme called the Ritz Carlton International Exchange programme. Through this programme, unemployed graduates gain work experience in the hospitality industry in North America.
To date 110 graduates have benefited from this programme and another 252 will leave South Africa for experiential learning at the Ritz Carlton Group at the end of this month.
Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic drivers in South Africa. The NDT mandate is aligned to the broader government outcomes which include the creation of decent jobs and people development. This sector requires people with appropriate skills however it does not attract or retain quality people of all skills. Businesses in the sector have also raised concern that most graduates do not meet the requirements of the job, once qualified.
This exchange programme provides tourism graduates with world class exposure to the hotel environment and international service excellence standards so that students are more competitive in the open market.The training programme include amongst others, food and beverage training; front line office and culinary training. It targets unemployed youths especially from the historically disadvantaged communities.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa says the successful hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament and positive feedback from visitors is a clear indication that South Africa will continue to attract more people to this country and we should therefore have relevant skills to meet the demands and needs of our visitors.
CEO of the Ubuntu Institute, Prince Cedza Dlamini says they are grateful to be having such a partnership with the national Department of Tourism. “Through our collaboration, we empower the next generation of South African youth with tools necessary to be successful.”
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Gugu Cele, says, “This programme gave me the opportunity to gain valuable skills, improve my CV and earn money to support my family.”
Another initiative aimed at addressing the skills shortage in the sector is the National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) which will be held in Durban in January 2011. NTCE is the brainchild of NDT together with The Tourism, Hospitality, Sports Education and Training Authority and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism.NTCE provides a platform for young people to interact directly with the sector and access information about the available education and training opportunities.
Enquiries:
Trevor Bloem
Tel: 012 310 3631
Cell: 082 771 6729
