Joburg City Theatres is offering a CATHSSETA‑funded Professional Cookery Learnership that closes on 29 July 2026. This is a chance for unemployed youth in Johannesburg to start a career in hospitality while earning a monthly stipend.
What is the Professional Cookery Learnership?
Joburg City Theatres, a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg, is looking for unemployed young people to join a 12‑month learnership. The programme mixes classroom teaching with on‑the‑job training in a real kitchen. Learners work toward a Certificate in Professional Cookery – NQF Level 4. The funding comes from CATHSSETA, and a stipend of R3 500 per month is paid for the whole year.
Who can apply?
- South African citizen, aged 18‑35
- Unemployed and living within the City of Johannesburg
- Matriculated (Grade 12) or hold an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification
- English taken at Grade 12 and able to read, write and speak it well
- Passionate about cooking and interested in a hospitality career
- Available for both classroom and workplace training for 12 months
- Own reliable transport
- No criminal record
- Not currently registered for another learnership, internship or funded skills programme
What will you gain?
- Nationally recognised Certificate in Professional Cookery (NQF 4)
- Practical kitchen experience in a professional setting
- Skills in food preparation, safety, hygiene and customer service
- Experience with stock handling, teamwork and workplace communication
- Monthly stipend of R3 500 to support you during the learnership
- Improved employability in the hospitality and tourism sector
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents (see list below).
- Write a cover letter that explains why you want the learnership, your passion for cooking, and confirms you can attend for the full 12 months.
- Save all documents as PDFs and make sure they are certified copies no older than three months.
- Compose an email to jobapplications5@joburgtheatre.com. Use the subject line:
Application: Professional Cookery Learnership – JCT/2026/07 – Your Full Name - Attach the cover letter, CV, certified ID copy, Grade 12 certificate, proof of residence and the ward councillor confirmation letter.
- Quote the reference number JCT/2026/07 in the email body.
- Send the email before the closing date.
Documents required
- Cover letter (as described above)
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Grade 12 (or equivalent) certificate
- Proof of residence in Johannesburg (e.g., utility bill or rental agreement)
- Confirmation letter from your Ward Councillor
- Any other relevant certificates (certified, not older than three months)
Tips to improve your chances
- Double‑check that all certified documents are dated within the last three months.
- Make sure the ward councillor letter is signed and clearly states your address.
- Use the exact subject line and reference number – recruiters filter by this.
- Proofread your cover letter; clear, concise language works best.
- Confirm you have reliable transport for daily travel to the training centre.
- Do not apply if you are already enrolled in another funded programme.
- Keep a copy of your email for your records.
Key dates and contact details
Applications close on 29 July 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. For any questions, contact Nkosana Mathebula at 011 877 6918 and reference JCT/2026/07.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents today. Follow the step‑by‑step guide and send your application well before the deadline. This learnership could be the first step toward a rewarding career in professional cookery.
