EQUIPPING THE YOUTH: Peermont launches hotel school
Peermont Community Benefit Trust (PCBT), in association with service provider Celo, identified an opportunity to establish the Peermont Hotel School, to address skills development, job creation and poverty alleviation.
Training of these young people started on May 3, and the school was launched on June 7.
The hotel school will offer skills proficiency certificates and skills-based training that gives young individuals the necessary platform and opportunity to start a career in the hospitality industry.
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Vusi Zwane, Peermont Community Benefit Trust trustee, said the hospitality sector remains one of the greatest growing sectors in the economy.
“With that in mind, the Peermont Hotel School empowers the community through education and development, ultimately grooming our future hospitality leaders,” he said.
Celo are the hospitality specialists in events, training and consulting and they have been appointed by the PCBT to establish the school and manage the delivery of the training programmes.
Jeanne Visagie, from Celo, explained that the method of delivery and type of training will ensure transfer of skills, creation of jobs and, in so doing, contribute towards poverty alleviation.
The learners will spend two months at the school, two months at Emperors Palace and a further eight months with hospitality industry partners for practical experience.
The underprivileged individuals will enjoy access to the marketplace, especially those from child-headed households and vulnerable youth.
The duration of the qualification supports the learners in becoming employable and to earn an income to support their families.
Ekurhuleni MMC City Planning and Economic Development, Clr Thumbu Mahlangu, who graced the launch with his presence, said: “We are glad that such an initiative is being created to better the lives of the youth.
“The Ekurhuleni Metro also pays the stipend, making sure that the learners are here every day. We need to make sure that this industry grows, by allowing young people who have passion in this industry to gain access to it, in order for them to grow.”
Reiger Park resident Gene-Lee May, who is one of the waitresses chosen for the learnership, said that she was lucky to be enrolled as she is looking for work.
Another learnership candidate, who is in the housekeeping department, Tshepang Adam, said already, after three weeks, she has learnt so many things.
