If you are unemployed and looking for a real way to break into the hospitality industry, Sun International has just opened 15 Food and Beverage Learnership positions for 2026 — and this could be exactly the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Learnerships like this one are not just training programmes. They give you hands-on experience inside a real workplace, help you build skills that employers value, and improve your chances of finding permanent work in hospitality. If you have your Matric and you are currently unemployed, you qualify to apply.
What Is This Learnership About?
Sun International, one of South Africa’s biggest names in gaming and hospitality, is offering this learnership through their Time Square Casino and Entertainment World in Pretoria, Gauteng.
The programme is called the NC Food and Beverage Services Learnership (Reference Number: SI-841). It is designed for unemployed individuals who want to learn the skills needed to work in food and beverage service within the hospitality sector.
There are 15 positions available, and the salary is market related. This means you will be financially supported while you learn — which is one of the biggest advantages of a learnership over a short course or unpaid internship.
Who Is This Learnership For?
This opportunity is aimed at people from designated groups who are passionate about hospitality and customer service. If this is your first time applying for a learnership, do not worry — the requirements are straightforward.
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a Grade 12 certificate (Matric) or an equivalent qualification
- You must be able to speak, read, and write in English at a minimum Level 3 standard
- You must be currently unemployed
- You must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
Many applicants worry that they need experience before applying for a learnership. You do not. This programme is specifically built for people who are starting from scratch and want to gain that experience in a structured, professional environment.
Skills and Personal Qualities They Are Looking For
Beyond the minimum requirements, Sun International will be looking at who you are as a person. From experience, the candidates who do best in hospitality learnerships are those who genuinely enjoy working with people and can stay calm under pressure.
The following qualities will strengthen your application and your performance in the programme:
- Confidence and a professional attitude when dealing with guests and colleagues
- The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills, both written and spoken
- Flexibility and willingness to work shift-based hours, including weekends and public holidays
If you have ever worked in a shop, helped out at a family event, or volunteered anywhere that involved serving or helping people, those experiences are worth mentioning in your application.
What You Will Gain From This Programme
This is not just about getting a certificate. The real value of this learnership is the practical knowledge and professional confidence you will build over time. Here is what successful candidates can expect:
- Hands-on experience in food and beverage service within a world-class hospitality environment
- Exposure to a professional working environment that mirrors what permanent employees experience daily
- Industry-relevant skills in customer service, food service operations, and hospitality standards
- A nationally recognised qualification that boosts your employability in the hospitality sector
- A stronger, more competitive CV that shows future employers you have real workplace experience
Completing a learnership at a well-known company like Sun International also gives you a credible name on your CV — and in South Africa’s competitive job market, that genuinely matters.
How to Apply
Applying for this learnership is done online through the Sun International recruitment portal. Follow these steps to make sure your application goes through correctly:
- Click on the official application link below to go directly to the Sun International job listing.
- Read through the full job description on their portal to confirm you meet all the requirements.
- Create a profile or log in if you have applied through their system before.
- Complete all the required fields in the application form — do not leave anything blank.
- Upload a clear, updated copy of your CV and your Matric certificate.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Click here to apply for the Sun International Food and Beverage Learnership 2026
The closing date has not been officially confirmed yet, so do not wait. Apply as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss your chance.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Many applicants struggle with the small things that actually matter during the selection process. Here are a few practical tips based on what works for real applicants:
- Update your CV before applying. Make sure your contact details are correct, your Matric details are listed clearly, and any work or volunteer experience is included — even informal experience counts.
- Write a short cover letter if the system allows it. Mention why you want to work in hospitality and what makes you a good fit for this specific programme.
- Be honest about your availability. This role requires shift work, weekends, and public holidays. If you are not available for those hours, this may not be the right fit — but if you are, say so clearly.
- Double-check your documents before uploading. Blurry scans or incomplete documents are one of the most common reasons applications get rejected.
- Apply only through the official link above. Do not pay anyone to apply on your behalf. Legitimate learnerships are always free to apply for.
Important Things to Know
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application review process.
- Preference may be given to applicants from designated groups as part of the company’s employment equity commitments.
- Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and South African public holidays.
- The learnership is based in Pretoria, Gauteng — make sure you are able to travel to or live near this location.
Take the Next Step Today
Opportunities like this one do not come around every day. Sun International is one of the most respected hospitality brands in South Africa, and being part of their learnership programme is a genuinely valuable way to start your career in this industry.
You do not need experience. You do not need a degree. You need your Matric, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to put your name forward. If that sounds like you, go ahead and apply today.
Good luck — you have got this.
