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    McDonald’s South Africa partners to empower youth through hospitality training | Sandton


    McDonald’s South Africa recently launched a significant initiative in partnership with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (Cathsseta).

    Deputy minister of higher education, Buti Manamela. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

    The initiative aims to train 1 400 unemployed youth through a hospitality learnership program, addressing critical skills development needs in a country grappling with high youth unemployment rates.

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    The Cathsseta and McDonald’s SA programme offers blended training, combining classroom and on-the-job training and assessment. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

    According to Marks Thibela, CEO of Cathsseta, their role under the Skills Development Act includes developing sector skills plans and implementing programmes aligned with national qualifications standards.

    “This partnership with McDonald’s aims to empower unemployed youth with essential skills for employment within the hospitality sector.”

    Greg Solomon, CEO of McDonald’s South Africa, emphasised their commitment to the programme’s success, highlighting a robust recruitment process and partnerships with organisations like Job Jack and Training Force to ensure effective training and skills assessments.

    He pointed out that they are prepared to train more than the 1 400 youth promised to Cathsseta.

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    Marks Thibela, CEO at Cathsseta. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

    “The overwhelming response to the program highlights the urgent need for job creation in South Africa, as demonstrated by the 9 000 applicants, many of whom are graduates.”

    Solomon also announced the establishment of Hamburger University at their Sandton headquarters, reinforcing their dedication to employee training and development.

    Deputy minister of higher education Buti Manamela praised the initiative as a crucial private sector contribution to youth empowerment and employment.

    He emphasised the importance of equipping young South Africans with practical skills essential for entering the job market, and encouraged further collaboration between the private sector and government in addressing unemployment challenges.

    “Skills development and training should not be the sole responsibility of the government. We must, and have been, working closely with the private sector to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills needed for sustainable employment.”

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    We asked the individuals who had started this skills development programme how confident they were that these skills aligned with the current job market demands. Did they believe this training would lead to permanent employment?

    Pulane Lotsiri: I feel that the skills we’re acquiring are highly relevant, particularly in a service-driven economy like ours. I am hopeful that these skills will not only help me get a job but also give me the tools to possibly start my own business in the future.
    Thato Seaga: Yes, the skills we are learning are very relevant, especially since the hospitality sector always needs well-trained staff. I am confident that these skills will make me more employable, not just within McDonald’s but also in other restaurants or hotels.
    Frans Mahlaba: I think the programme is definitely in tune with what employers are looking for, particularly in customer service and management. While permanent employment can be tough to secure in today’s economy, I am optimistic that these skills will open doors for me in the hospitality industry.
    Dieketseng Mofokeng: The training is very comprehensive, covering everything from basic operations to management skills. This definitely aligns with what I see in the job market, and I am confident that this experience will lead to long-term employment opportunities, whether at McDonald’s or elsewhere.

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    This article was originally published by a www.citizen.co.za . Read the Original article here. .

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