Learnerships

Horwath HTL has successfully implemented Hospitality Learnerships. Allow us to share our Learnership experiences with you.

A learnership is a planned learning experience which culminates in a complete National Qualification. Learnerships are a highly effective way for candidates to achieve a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) qualification while working full time and gaining experience in their chosen field of study. A candidate who successfully completes a learnership will have a qualification that signals occupational competence and which is recognized throughout the country.

Learnerships are different from the old system of apprenticeships because...

• The emphasis of the programme is on outcomes.
• Learning is accomplished by combining theory and practice.
• At various stages assessment is undertaken to see if the candidate is progressing and is able to perform the tasks for which s/he has been trained.
• Learnerships are intended to help us meet the critical skills shortage that our country faces.

Horwath HTL has achieved programme approval to facilitate the National Certificate in Food & Beverage Services Hospitality Learnership

The National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services qualification is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and resides with CATHSSETA. Furthermore, the qualification has been registered with the Department of Labour as a learnership.

The National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services is suitable for those working in Hotels and Independent Restaurants, Room Service, Bars, Banqueting departments, Convention Centres, Guesthouses, or in Contract Catering environments.

The National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services qualification is registered at a NQF Level 4 and includes core, fundamental and elective unit standards with a combined credit value of 156. The Qualification's facilitation and assessment allows for multiple exit points.

Aim of the Qualification:

The aim of this Qualification is to develop the candidate's supervisory abilities whilst enabling him/her to apply the basic principles of food service thus enabling the candidate to effectively manage food and beverage operations and customers. To this end, the Qualification aims to equip candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to:

• Plan, co-ordinate, direct and control stock, staff, financial and physical resources associated with a food and beverage operation; and
• Effectively interact with internal and external customers.

Benefits to the Candidate:

Candidates undertaking the National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services will:

• Achieve recognition of a full qualification on successful completion.
• Enhance and broaden existing skills and knowledge.
• Develop and acquire new knowledge and skills specifically focused on the supervisory aspects of the Food & Beverage Operation.
• Further develop skills associated with communication; problem-solving; working effectively with others; organizing and managing oneself; collecting, analyzing and organizing information; and using science and technology effectively.
• Establish a platform for further learning and development opportunities.
• Increase personal marketability.
• Optimize future career prospects through personal development.

Benefits to the Organisation/ Employer:

In addition to investing in the education and development of associates, employers sponsoring candidates undertaking the National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services will:

• Further establish/ create a talent pool within the organisation.
• Enhance succession planning and career pathing efforts and strategies.
• Enjoy the benefits of time efficient, cost effective and manageable training of a superior standard.
• Contribute to the meaningful skills up-liftment of associates.
• Gain recognition in terms of the annual workplace skills plan (WSP) for the training intervention as the Qualification is SETA recognized.
• Enjoy the associated tax rebates afforded organizations sponsoring candidates undertaking Learnerships.
• Enjoy the benefits of better trained and competent associates.

Tax Breaks for Employers who enter into Registered Learnership Agreements

Legislation providing income tax breaks to employers who enter into registered learnership agreements with candidates was promulgated, by way of the insertion of Section 12H into the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962.

The income tax breaks offered to employers are the following:

• A deduction from income for income tax purposes an amount equivalent to 70% of the annual remuneration paid to the candidate up to a maximum amount of R20,000.00 for every registered learnership agreement entered into by the employer with any of his employees.
• A further deduction from income for income tax purposes an amount equivalent to 100% of the annual remuneration paid to the candidate up to a maximum of R30,000.00 in respect of every completed registered learnership agreement.

The details of the tax incentive are contained in Government Gazette No. 23709 that was published on August 5th, 2002. The entitlement derives from the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, No. 30 of 2002.

Hospitality learnerships are an effective way to develop your supervisors and managers of tomorrow. Furthermore, your commitment to learnerships will be rewarded with an improved BBBEE score.

• Learnership Brochure

Horwath HTL is an organisation of a group of member firms of Crowe Horwath International Association, a Swiss Verein. Each member of the association is licensed to include “Horwath” in its legal name but remains a separate and independent legal entity.