Tsebo Catering has opened its 12-month Food and Beverage Learnership for unemployed South African youth — and the only formal qualification you need is Matric. Running at NQF Level 4, the programme blends classroom training with real workplace experience, giving you a nationally recognised qualification and the practical service skills that hotels, restaurants and catering companies actually hire for.
There are two intakes to choose from — one in Sandton, Gauteng (ref TSE260603-2) and one in Cape Town, Western Cape (ref TSE260603-22) — so you apply for the region where you want to be considered. Applications close on 9 June 2026.
What is the Tsebo Food and Beverage Learnership?
It’s a structured 12-month learnership run by Tsebo Catering, part of Tsebo Solutions Group — one of Africa’s leading integrated workplace management companies.
The programme combines formal classroom learning with hands-on workplace experience in real hospitality settings. You’ll work toward a recognised NQF Level 4 qualification while building the day-to-day skills that food service and catering employers depend on.
Why is this learnership worth considering?
Plenty of young people want to enter hospitality but have no clear way to gain experience without it. This learnership solves that by pairing training directly with the needs of the industry.
You don’t just study the theory — you practise it in a working environment, guided by experienced professionals. For a Matric graduate trying to break into food service, catering or hospitality, it’s one of the cleaner entry points available right now.
What skills will learners gain?
The programme is built around the practical, people-facing skills that define great hospitality. Over the 12 months, you’ll develop:
- Customer service and customer engagement
- Table and food service operations
- Hygiene standards and workplace safety
- Beverage service basics
- Workplace communication and teamwork
- An understanding of basic hospitality operations
You’ll also learn to describe the layout, services and facilities of an establishment, maintain professional health and hygiene, and build strong working relationships with colleagues.
Who qualifies for the Tsebo learnership?
The entry bar is refreshingly accessible. To qualify, you must:
- Have a certified Matric certificate
- Be a South African citizen with a valid RSA ID
- Be able to read and write (needed to submit a portfolio of evidence)
- Be willing to commit to the full 12-month programme
- Be willing to work in hospitality environments
Beyond the basics, strong candidates show communication skills, a customer-service mindset, attention to detail, teamwork, basic numeracy, good time management, professional behaviour and a genuine willingness to learn.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Don’t rush the profile section on Tsebo’s platform — it’s where good applicants quietly trip up. Use the exact name and ID details that appear on your official documents, upload clear scans, and triple-check your phone number before you submit. And remember: Tsebo never charges a cent for registration, application, admin or placement. Anyone asking you for money to “secure” this learnership is running a scam — walk away.
What documents should applicants prepare?
Have your file ready before you open the application:
- A certified copy of your Matric certificate
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- An updated CV
- Any additional supporting certificates you hold
Make sure every copy is clear and readable, and that your personal details match your documents exactly.
How do you choose between the two listings?
Both intakes fall under Tsebo Catering, both are NQF Level 4, and both run as fixed-term 12-month contracts. The only real difference is location:
- Gauteng intake — Sandton, reference TSE260603-2
- Western Cape intake — Cape Town, reference TSE260603-22
Pick the listing that matches where you want to be placed, and make sure you apply using the correct reference number — it’s an easy detail to get wrong, and it matters.
How do you secure your place on the learnership?
Applications must be submitted through the official Tsebo online application portal, using the reference number for your chosen region.
Tsebo’s platform may ask you to complete a profile before you can submit, so set aside enough time to register, upload your documents and review everything carefully. Online applications can take longer than expected, so don’t leave it to the final hours.
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Final Thoughts
A nationally recognised qualification, real workplace experience and a genuine foot in the door of the hospitality industry — all on the strength of a Matric certificate — make this a worthwhile opportunity for any young South African drawn to food service. With a 9 June 2026 closing date, time is tight: choose your region, get your certified documents together, and complete your application carefully and early.
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