Closing Date: Varies (early 2026, typically March for bursaries, check CATHSSETA announcements)
Location: Midrand, Gauteng; Cape Town, Western Cape; Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Programme Types: Learnerships, Bursaries, Internships, Skills Programmes
Start Date: To be confirmed (2025/2026)
Stipend: R2,500–R4,000 per month for learnerships/internships (estimated)
Bursary Value: Up to R70,000 for tuition, books, accommodation (estimated)
Join CATHSSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026! Learnerships, bursaries, and internships for unemployed youth in tourism, hospitality, and sport, offering stipends and qualifications. Apply by early 2026!
About CATHSSETA Skills Development Programmes
The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) empowers unemployed youth and sector employees through skills development, ensuring employable skills in tourism, hospitality, and sport. Established under the Skills Development Act, CATHSSETA offers learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes in fields like Professional Cookery, Tour Guiding, Event Management, and Tourism Management, funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Programme Purpose
CATHSSETA’s programmes aim to raise skills for the employed and unemployed, aligning training with employer and community needs in tourism, hospitality, and sport. By funding learnerships, bursaries, and internships, CATHSSETA enhances workforce employability, supports career progression, and contributes to South Africa’s service-oriented economy.
Programme Structure
| Programme | Qualification | Duration | Eligibility | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | NQF Level 2–5 (e.g., Professional Cookery, Tour Guiding) | 12–18 months | Grade 12 | R2,500–R4,000/month stipend |
| Bursaries | Undergraduate (e.g., Tourism Management, Hospitality) | 1–4 years | Grade 12, tertiary acceptance | Up to R70,000 (tuition, books, accommodation) |
| Internships | NQF Level 5–7 (e.g., Event Management, Hospitality) | 12–24 months | Diploma/Degree | R2,500–R4,000/month stipend |
| Skills Programmes | Short courses (e.g., Accommodation Services, Sport Coaching) | 1–6 months | Grade 12 | Partial funding, no stipend |
- Components: Theoretical training, practical experience, and assessments.
- Outcome: Nationally recognized NQF qualifications or certificates.
- Delivery: Through CATHSSETA-accredited training providers.
Key Responsibilities
Learnerships
- Participate in hospitality, tourism, or sport tasks (e.g., cooking, guiding, event support).
- Complete classroom-based training and workplace assessments.
- Adhere to service and safety standards in the sector.
Bursaries
- Maintain academic performance and submit progress reports.
- Engage in tourism, hospitality, or sport-related studies or projects.
Internships
- Support tourism operations, event management, or hospitality services.
- Assist in customer service, marketing, or event coordination.
- Participate in mentorship and skills development workshops.
Benefits
- Stipends of R2,500–R4,000/month for learnerships and internships.
- Bursaries covering tuition, books, and accommodation (up to R70,000).
- Nationally recognized qualifications (NQF Level 2–7).
- Enhanced employability in tourism, hospitality, and sport sectors.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training providers.
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Aged 18–35 for learnerships and bursaries; no age limit for internships.
- Grade 12 for learnerships and skills programmes; Grade 12 and tertiary acceptance for bursaries; diploma/degree for internships.
- Unemployed or employed in tourism, hospitality, or sport (depending on programme).
- No prior participation in the same CATHSSETA programme.
- Clear criminal record, verified via background checks.
Preferences
- Candidates from Employment Equity groups (e.g., Black, Coloured, Indian, women, persons with disabilities).
- Residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal.
- Commitment to completing the programme and contributing to the sector.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Interest in tourism, hospitality, or sport and willingness to learn.
- Customer service and teamwork skills (learnerships/internships).
- Basic numeracy and computer literacy (all programmes).
- Professionalism and adaptability in service-oriented environments.
Why Join CATHSSETA Skills Development Programmes?
CATHSSETA Skills Development Programmes 2025/2026 offer unemployed youth and sector professionals a chance to gain nationally recognized qualifications, stipends, or bursary funding in vibrant industries. Participants will develop skills in professional cookery, tour guiding, event management, or tourism management, contributing to South Africa’s tourism and hospitality growth while building rewarding careers.
Application Process
Submit your application by early 2026 (typically March for bursaries, check CATHSSETA announcements) via email to info@cathsseta.org.za or hand-deliver to 270 George Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1687. Postal applications can be sent to PO Box 1329, Rivonia, 2128. Include a CV, certified copies of your ID, qualifications (Grade 12, diploma/degree, or acceptance letter for bursaries), and proof of residence (certified within the last 6 months). Specify the programme (e.g., Learnership: Professional Cookery, Bursary: Tourism Management). Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be considered. For enquiries, contact info@cathsseta.org.za or +27 11 217 0600. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 60–90 days of the closing date. Background checks (criminal record, citizenship, qualifications) will be conducted. If you do not hear back within 90 days, consider your application unsuccessful. No application fees are charged.
Contact Information
For enquiries, contact: info@cathsseta.org.za or +27 11 217 0600. Physical: 270 George Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1687. Postal: PO Box 1329, Rivonia, 2128.