Hotel school opens in EMM
The Peermont Hotel School at Emperors Palace, a first of its kind in Ekurhuleni, opened its doors on May 3, with the intention to skill and educate more than 1 080 pupils over a three-year period.
The school was established by the Peermont Community Benefit Trust (PCBT), in association with service provider Celo and supported by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to address the education and unemployment challenges.
“The hospitality sector remains one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy,” said PCBT trustee, Vusi Zwane.
“With that in mind, the Peermont Hotel School empowers the community through education and development, ultimately grooming our future hospitality leaders.”
Celo, hospitality specialists in events, training and consulting, have been appointed by the PCBT to establish the school and manage the delivery of the training programmes.
“The method of delivery and type of training will ensure transfer of skills, creation of jobs and, in so doing, contribute towards poverty alleviation,” said Jeanne Visagie, from Celo.
All learners are contracted for a 12-month period and, over-and-above the bursary, receive a stipend from the municipality.
The pupils will spend two months at the school, two months at Emperors Palace and a further eight months with hospitality industry partners for practical experience.
Underprivileged individuals will enjoy this access to the marketplace, especially those from child-headed households and vulnerable youth.
The school’s objective is to focus on the fundamentals of the various disciplines and to lay a solid foundation for the learners’ career.
