Joburg City Theatres (JCT), a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, invites applications from unemployed youth residing within the City of Johannesburg for the CATHSSETA-funded Professional Cookery Level 4 Learnership Programme. This opportunity is aimed at young people who are passionate about cooking and interested in building a career in the hospitality and culinary industry. The 12-month learnership combines theoretical training with practical workplace experience, leading to a nationally recognized Certificate in Professional Cookery Level 4 while providing a monthly stipend of R3,500.
The learnership combines classroom-based learning with practical workplace experience, allowing participants to gain industry-relevant skills while earning a monthly stipend. Successful candidates will work towards obtaining a Certificate in Professional Cookery Level 4, a nationally recognized qualification that can open doors to employment in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, lodges, hospitality businesses, and other food service establishments.
This programme is suitable for individuals who have completed Grade 12 and are passionate about cooking, food preparation, and customer service.
Learnership Overview
- Position: Professional Cookery Level 4 Learnership
- Programme Type: CATHSSETA-Funded Learnership
- Employer: Joburg City Theatres (JCT)
- Location: City of Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Duration: 12 Months
- Monthly Stipend: R3,500
- Closing Date: 29 July 2026
About the Learnership
The Professional Cookery Level 4 Learnership has been developed to prepare unemployed youth for careers in South Africa’s growing hospitality sector. During the 12-month programme, learners will receive both theoretical instruction and practical workplace exposure.
Participants will learn essential culinary techniques, food preparation methods, kitchen safety standards, hygiene practices, menu planning, customer service principles, and workplace professionalism. Practical training forms an important part of the programme, allowing learners to apply classroom knowledge in a real hospitality environment.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate in Professional Cookery Level 4, providing valuable experience that can strengthen future employment opportunities.
Although the programme provides practical work experience, Joburg City Theatres has stated that completion of the learnership does not guarantee permanent employment.
Monthly Stipend
Successful learners will receive a monthly stipend of:
R3,500 per month
The stipend will be paid throughout the 12-month learnership in accordance with approved CATHSSETA funding guidelines.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Be unemployed.
- Reside within the City of Johannesburg.
- Have successfully completed Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
- Have English as a subject in Grade 12.
- Be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
- Have a genuine interest in cooking and building a career in the hospitality industry.
- Be willing to attend classroom learning and workplace practical training for the full duration of the programme.
- Not be registered on another learnership, internship, or funded skills programme during the learnership period.
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be reliable, committed, and willing to learn.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements are unlikely to be considered during the selection process.
Required Documents
Applications must include certified copies of the following documents:
- South African Identity Document.
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Proof of residence confirming residence within the City of Johannesburg, such as a confirmation letter from the Ward Councillor.
Recently certified copies of supporting documents should not be older than three months.
Important Information
Applicants should carefully note the following information before submitting an application:
- Successful applicants will be required to sign a Learnership Agreement with Joburg City Theatres, CATHSSETA, and the appointed training provider.
- Joburg City Theatres is an equal opportunity employer.
- Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must have their own transport.
- Applicants must have no criminal record.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Placement into the programme will depend on operational requirements and available opportunities.
- If no communication is received within two months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
- Completion of the programme does not automatically result in permanent employment with Joburg City Theatres.
Skills That May Be Developed
Learners participating in the programme may gain knowledge and practical experience in areas such as:
- Food preparation techniques
- Kitchen operations
- Culinary presentation
- Food hygiene and sanitation
- Health and safety procedures
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Stock control
- Professional workplace conduct
- Communication skills
- Hospitality industry standards
These skills can improve employability within restaurants, hotels, catering companies, conference venues, resorts, hospitals, schools, cruise ships, and other hospitality establishments.
Career Opportunities After Completion
A Professional Cookery qualification can help graduates pursue careers in various hospitality fields. Possible career paths include:
- Commis Chef
- Kitchen Assistant
- Cook
- Catering Assistant
- Food Preparation Assistant
- Hotel Kitchen Staff
- Restaurant Kitchen Staff
- Catering Company Employee
- Hospitality Assistant
Additional experience and further qualifications may create opportunities for career progression into supervisory and management positions within the hospitality industry.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Brief Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of residence (Ward Councillor confirmation letter)
- Recently certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
Applications must be emailed to:
- Email: [email protected]
- Applicants must quote the following reference number: REF. NO. JCT/2026/07
Failure to include the correct reference number may affect the processing of the application.
Closing Date: 29 July 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be considered. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications before the closing date to avoid missing the opportunity.
Summary
The Joburg City Theatres Professional Cookery Level 4 Learnership offers unemployed youth living in the City of Johannesburg an opportunity to gain a nationally recognized qualification while developing practical experience in the hospitality sector. With a monthly stipend of R3,500, structured classroom learning, and workplace training over 12 months, the programme provides valuable exposure to professional kitchen operations and culinary skills.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements should ensure that all required documents are certified, include the correct reference number JCT/2026/07, and submit their applications before 29 July 2026. This learnership presents an excellent opportunity for young South Africans interested in pursuing a long-term career in the hospitality and culinary industry.