Company: Sun International – The Maslow Hotel Sandton
Industry: Hospitality, Hotel, Catering, Culinary Arts
Job Category: Learnership / Skills Development Programme
Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
Contract Type: Temporary (12-month Learnership)
Remuneration: Market Related (Learner Stipend Provided)
EE Position: Yes (Inclusive of persons with disabilities)
Closing Date: 7 July 2025
Introduction
Sun International, one of South Africa’s leading hospitality and leisure groups, is committed to empowering the youth through skills development programmes. The Maslow Hotel in Sandton is offering an exciting opportunity for 10 unemployed young individuals to participate in a 12-month National Certificate in Professional Cookery Learnership. This structured, accredited training programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing practical work experience and theoretical knowledge in the hospitality and culinary field.
This learnership forms part of Sun International’s vision of nurturing future chefs and hospitality professionals by offering career-launching pathways into the industry. Candidates who complete the programme will obtain a recognised formal qualification while gaining real-world experience in one of Gauteng’s most prominent luxury hotels.
Job Description
The Professional Cookery Learnership is a full-time, outcome-based programme offering both theoretical classroom instruction and practical on-the-job training within The Maslow Hotel’s food and beverage department, particularly at Lacuna, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Participants will:
- Learn the foundational principles of cooking, kitchen safety, and hygiene
- Gain exposure to food preparation and plating for various cuisines
- Assist in maintaining inventory and stock rotation in line with HACCP standards
- Work alongside experienced chefs and food handlers in a live kitchen environment
- Participate in special culinary events and operational restaurant shifts
- Attend formal classes and assessments in culinary arts and food service
- Complete all required modules and pass theoretical and practical components
- Develop hospitality service etiquette and customer-facing experience
Successful learners will be awarded a National Certificate in Professional Cookery upon completion of the programme, provided all unit standards and workplace assessments are met.
Ideal Candidate
The Maslow Hotel seeks motivated, eager-to-learn individuals with a genuine passion for food, hospitality, and customer service. The learnership is best suited to unemployed South African youth who want to pursue a long-term career in professional cookery or the hotel industry.
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric) or hold an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be currently unemployed and not participating in any other learnership or internship
- Be willing to commit to a full-time 12-month programme
- Be passionate about cooking and willing to work in a fast-paced kitchen
- Preferably possess a basic culinary or hospitality certificate (advantageous, not mandatory)
Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, including persons living with disabilities, in line with Sun International’s Employment Equity strategy.
Role Responsibility
As a Learnership Candidate within the Maslow Hotel’s F&B Department, you will take on essential responsibilities that contribute to your professional development and support day-to-day restaurant operations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing basic dishes under the supervision of experienced chefs
- Assisting with mise-en-place (food preparation prior to service)
- Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen stations and equipment
- Following kitchen protocols for safety and hygiene
- Supporting chefs during high-pressure meal service periods
- Monitoring food storage and assisting with inventory checks
- Participating in theoretical classes and submitting assignments on time
- Taking part in culinary workshops, demos, and performance reviews
- Completing assessment logs and maintaining a learner portfolio of evidence
Skills and Attributes
To succeed in this learnership and the broader culinary industry, candidates should possess or demonstrate the potential to develop the following attributes:
- Passion for cooking and hospitality: A genuine interest in food preparation and customer satisfaction
- Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to engage respectfully with guests, team members, and supervisors
- Attention to detail: Precision in following recipes, presentation standards, and safety protocols
- Time management: Capable of working efficiently during busy shifts and managing assigned tasks
- Communication skills: Fluent in spoken and written English, with the ability to follow instructions
- Problem-solving mindset: Able to think on your feet and adapt to kitchen challenges
- Resilience under pressure: Calm and collected during peak hours in a demanding kitchen environment
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively and learn from peers and mentors
- Professionalism: Demonstrate discipline, reliability, and a strong work ethic
- Flexibility: Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays as required by the industry
Position Summary
The National Certificate in Professional Cookery Learnership at The Maslow Hotel Sandton is a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience in the culinary world. As part of this 12-month journey, you’ll learn from some of the industry’s best professionals, explore a variety of cuisines, and gain nationally recognised qualifications that will open doors to future opportunities in the hospitality sector.
This programme is not just a learnership—it’s the start of a culinary career with one of South Africa’s most prestigious hotel brands. Successful completion can lead to further learning opportunities or permanent employment in Sun International properties or the broader hospitality industry.
If you are driven, passionate about food, and ready to commit to a rewarding and challenging experience, this learnership could be the launchpad you need.
SEE ALSO: Transnet Graduate Internships 2025
How to Apply
Interested candidates must prepare and submit the following documentation as part of their application:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or equivalent qualification
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter explaining your interest in professional cookery
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
Applications can be submitted online via the Sun International Careers Portal or through the designated application channel mentioned in the original listing. Early applications are encouraged as spaces are limited and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Final Thoughts
The Maslow Hotel Sandton’s 2025 Learnership Programme reflects Sun International’s continued investment in youth empowerment and skills development. With practical training, formal education, and mentoring all under one roof, learners will be fully equipped for the demands of the hospitality and culinary world.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or looking for a new start in the food industry, this opportunity combines learning and working in a way that builds confidence, competence, and career prospects. Don’t miss your chance to cook up a future with one of South Africa’s premier hospitality brands.