Career Guidance for Hospitality Studies

What is the Hospitality Industry About?

Are you someone who prefers variety over a typical 9-to-5 office job? Do you love meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and working with food and travel? If so, a career in hospitality might be a perfect fit for you!

The hospitality industry is a diverse sector within the service industry, encompassing areas like lodging, food and beverage services, event planning, theme parks, and transportation. It includes hotels, restaurants, bars, and the reception and entertainment of guests.

Key Duties in the Hospitality Industry:

Responsibilities in hospitality can vary based on the size and type of establishment. Here are some examples:

Food and Beverage Managers: Oversee restaurants and banquets, plan menus, set prices, and order supplies.
Chefs and Head Cooks: Prepare, season, and cook food while supervising and training kitchen staff.
General Hospitality Managers: In large hotels, they manage the entire property, including room rates, income/expenses, and staff supervision.
Waiters: Take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure customers are enjoying their dining experience. They address any issues promptly.

Skills Required for a Successful Career in Hospitality:

Multitasking: Handling multiple responsibilities at once is essential.
Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations.
Attention to Detail: Small touches make a guest’s experience memorable.
Time Management & Teamwork: Efficiently managing your time and collaborating with others is crucial.
Basic Computer Skills: These are needed for ordering supplies or generating reports.
Language Skills: Fluency in the language of the establishment ensures you understand and meet customer expectations.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to running a smooth service, reducing errors, and avoiding wastage.
Passion: The most important trait—loving what you do is key to thriving in hospitality.

Entry Requirements to Study Hospitality at a TVET College:

NC(V) Programme: Grade 9 Certificate plus specific college requirements for the programme.
NATED Programme: Grade 12 with English proficiency is an advantage, or an NC(V) Level 4 Certificate in Hospitality.

How to Pursue a Career in Hospitality:

Reach out to your nearest TVET College to inquire about entry requirements for the Hospitality course.
Visit hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants to gain firsthand knowledge about the field.
Contact DHET Career Development Services for free career advice at 086 999 0123 or email careerhelp@dhet.gov.za.
Take an aptitude test to determine if a hospitality career suits you.
Attend career exhibitions to interact with higher learning institutions and gather application forms.

Duration of the Hospitality Course:

NC(V) Programme: The course runs from NQF Level 2 to Level 4, with each level typically lasting one year, making the full duration three years.
NATED Programme: This course spans from N4 to N6, with each level taking six months, totaling 18 months. To complete the qualification, an additional 18 months of in-service training is required.

Did You Know?

There is a global demand for skilled hospitality professionals. With the right qualifications, you could find yourself landing exciting job opportunities both locally and internationally!