In the bustling heart of South Africa, countless young people wake up each day with a burning desire to work, to contribute, and to build a better life. Yet for many, the path to employment is blocked—not by a lack of passion, but by the absence of skills, resources, and opportunities.
The hospitality industry, with its vibrant energy and promise of career growth, offers one such path. But stepping into this field requires more than just enthusiasm. It demands specific skills, professional discipline, and the confidence to serve customers with excellence. This is where the Amy Foundation’s Youth Skills Development Programme for Hospitality steps in, turning dreams into achievable careers.
A Programme Born from a Vision of Empowerment
The Amy Foundation has long been known for its commitment to “changing lives” — not as a slogan, but as a daily mission. This programme is part of their broader effort to tackle youth unemployment, particularly among those who have completed school but find themselves shut out of higher education due to financial constraints.
Designed for young South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35, the YSD Hospitality Programme is more than just a course. It is a bridge between potential and opportunity — a stepping stone for those eager to carve out a career in a growing industry.
Why Hospitality?
Hospitality is one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa. From bustling restaurants and hotels to intimate coffee shops and catering businesses, there is a constant demand for skilled, reliable, and customer-focused staff. It is also an industry that rewards dedication: with the right training, a young waiter can rise to become a restaurant manager, and a kitchen assistant can grow into an accomplished chef.
The Amy Foundation recognised that many unemployed young people have the passion and drive needed for this industry but lack the structured training to meet employers’ expectations. This programme was developed to fill that gap.
Who This Programme Is For
The YSD Hospitality Programme is not for everyone, and that is part of what makes it effective. It is tailored specifically for:
- Recent matriculants or those who have passed Grade 11 and are struggling to enter the workforce.
- Unemployed youth aged 18–35 who cannot afford formal tertiary education.
- Individuals from previously disadvantaged communities with minimal household income.
- Those with a genuine passion for cooking, serving customers, and learning about the hospitality industry.
This focus ensures that each participant has both the need and the motivation to succeed.
The Attributes That Set Candidates Apart
Hospitality can be physically and mentally demanding. To thrive, candidates must possess key personal qualities. The programme looks for young people who are:
- Able to stand for long hours without losing focus.
- Eager to learn and willing to take feedback positively.
- Flexible enough to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.
- Honest, reliable, and trustworthy — essential traits in an industry that often handles cash and valuable equipment.
- Presentable, hardworking, and committed to providing excellent service.
The Amy Foundation believes that skills can be taught, but character and work ethic must come from within.
Two Pathways to Success
The YSD Hospitality Programme offers two training streams, allowing candidates to select the path that best matches their interests and career goals.
Option 1: Front of House Skills Training
Front of house (FOH) staff are the face of any hospitality business. They are the waiters, bar staff, coffee service specialists, runners, and hosts who interact directly with customers. In this stream, participants learn:
- Waitering skills: mastering service etiquette, order-taking, and table management.
- Bar and beverage service: preparing drinks, maintaining hygiene standards, and handling customers responsibly.
- Coffee service: understanding coffee varieties, brewing techniques, and presentation.
- Hosting: creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Emphasis is placed on good conversational English, as clear communication is essential in customer service roles. Learners are also taught how to maintain a friendly and professional appearance at all times.
Option 2: Basic Introduction to Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship
For those drawn to the kitchen rather than the dining area, this stream focuses on the essentials of culinary arts. It covers:
- Basic cooking techniques for aspiring chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants.
- Home-industry skills, including baking and product development, ideal for those wanting to start small businesses.
- Creativity in the kitchen, encouraging participants to experiment while respecting culinary traditions.
- Food knowledge, from hygiene standards to menu planning.
- Entrepreneurship basics, for those dreaming of running their own café, bakery, or catering company one day.
This pathway combines hands-on cooking skills with the business mindset needed to succeed in the competitive food industry.
What Makes This Programme Unique
Unlike generic training courses, the Amy Foundation’s YSD Hospitality Programme is deeply rooted in community upliftment. It does not simply teach skills; it instills confidence, discipline, and a professional mindset.
Learners benefit from:
- Practical training in real-world environments.
- Mentorship from experienced hospitality professionals.
- Networking opportunities with potential employers.
- A focus on both technical skills and soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Importantly, the programme has a clear application process to ensure that only those committed to completing the training are accepted.
The Application Process
Applying is straightforward but competitive. Here’s how it works:
- Meet the eligibility criteria: Be aged 18–35, unemployed, and from a disadvantaged background, with at least Grade 11 completed.
- Prepare your documents: Applicants must submit a CV, a copy of their ID, their matric certificate or highest school report, and a character reference.
- Email or call: Send your application to learnercv@amyfoundation.co.za or call 021 447 1690 for more information.
- Screening and interviews: Space is limited, so candidates will be screened and interviewed to assess suitability.
There is an R300 administration fee payable upon acceptance into the programme. Applicants must also be able to fund their own transport to the training location in Athlone.
A Step Towards Employment — and Beyond
Graduates of the YSD Hospitality Programme leave with more than just a certificate. They gain:
- The confidence to walk into an interview knowing they can deliver.
- Practical skills employers are actively seeking.
- A network of contacts in the hospitality industry.
- The discipline and work ethic to succeed not only in hospitality but in any professional setting.
Some go on to find work in restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. Others use their skills to start their own small businesses, from catering services to home bakeries.
Why Employers Value This Training
Employers often report that while many job seekers apply for hospitality roles, few are truly “work-ready.” The Amy Foundation’s programme addresses this gap. Graduates are not only trained in the technical aspects of their roles but also in the attitude and reliability that make them valuable team members.
This alignment with industry needs means that programme alumni have a higher chance of securing and retaining employment.
Stories of Change
Behind every successful graduate is a personal story. For some, joining the programme was the first time they felt a sense of direction after months or even years of unemployment. For others, it was an opportunity to turn a hobby — like baking or coffee making — into a sustainable career.
Many describe the training as “life-changing,” not just for the skills learned, but for the renewed belief in their own potential.
How This Fits into South Africa’s Bigger Picture
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. Programmes like the YSD Hospitality initiative are not silver bullets, but they are vital building blocks in creating a more inclusive economy.
By focusing on skills that are in demand, the Amy Foundation is equipping young people to break the cycle of poverty and dependence. Hospitality training may be the starting point, but the confidence and discipline learned here can open doors in many other sectors.
The Next Steps for Interested Candidates
If you meet the criteria and are ready to commit to the training, the time to act is now. Space is limited, and selection is competitive.
- Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Step 2: Choose the training option — Front of House or Culinary Arts — that aligns with your passion.
- Step 3: Gather your documents and submit your application via email.
- Step 4: Prepare for the screening process by thinking about your motivation and career goals.
The journey from unemployment to a fulfilling hospitality career begins with one decision — to invest in yourself.
Final Word: Opportunity Awaits
In every successful career, there is a moment when someone took a leap of faith. For many young South Africans, the Amy Foundation’s Youth Skills Development Programme for Hospitality can be that moment.
It is not an easy path — the hours can be long, the expectations high, and the learning curve steep. But for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards go beyond a job. They include personal growth, financial independence, and the ability to shape your own future.
If you have the passion, discipline, and determination, this could be the opportunity that changes your life.
For more information or to apply:
📧 Email: learnercv@amyfoundation.co.za
📞 Call: 021 447 1690
📍 Location: Athlone, Cape Town
