Stellenbosch NGO Bergzicht Training & Development honoured its first Food Service Assistance (FSA) class of 2024 during its Youth Day celebration and graduation on Wednesday 12 June.
The organisation was awarded the Mayoral Youth Skills Development Programme tender of the Stellenbosch Municipality, which funds the empowerment of 13 candidates with this recognised qualification.
The FSA programme is accredited by Cathsseta and runs in partnership with the Chef’s Training and Innovation Academy (CTIA), presented at the Bergzicht campus training kitchen.
The 13-week skills-training programme is acknowledged by the local authority as a valuable initiative to combat the high unemployment rate among local youth and tend to the need for skills development in the broader Stellenbosch area.
It comprises eight weeks theory and practical on-campus, and five weeks work integrated learning in the workplace at reputable hospitality establishments in the town.
“Today is a day of hope and celebration because we have young people here who are not only excited to work, but are empowered with skills and opportunities to enter the workplace, make a difference, and contribute to change,” said Carli van Wyk, Mayoral Committee member for Planning, LED and Tourism. “We are celebrating Youth Day, your future and the futures of your families. We have the best restaurants, hotels and culinary arts in our area. You are in the best place possible to have finished this course and enter the workplace to make a great success of your careers.”
Nathalie Skippers, a qualified social worker and social development and training manager at Bergzicht, added: “Our vision is to enable self-leadership and employability, and this is evident through the placement rate of 83% and job retention of 75% for 2023.”
FSA alumni and 2019 graduate Buhle Tshaka, now demi chef de partie at Hoseki Restaurant at Delaire Graff Estate, shared that Bergzicht made a huge difference in her life and created opportunities, but said “students need to take responsibility to make these opportunities a reality.”
Bergzicht’s assessor chef Annetjie van Breukelen said: “The cornerstone of career success lies not just in what students know, but of who takes notice of their efforts and dedication while they are in the workplace.”
The certified FSA graduates are officially now eligible for employment, that is, those who have not been placed at establishments where their practicals took place.
- Prospective employers can contact Corine Mans on studentsupport@bergzicht.org.za to initiate contact with these graduates.
