The first graduation ceremony of the Peermont Hotel School (PHS) at Emperors Palace was held on Tuesday.
PHS congratulates its graduating class of 2017, the first group of students to graduate from the school, which was launched just over a year ago.
They offer learners from Ekurhuleni a 12-month bursary to train under hospitality industry professionals to gain practical insight into vital roles in the industry.
Each group of 72 learners spends two of the 12 months’ training at the school, two months at Emperors Palace working alongside the hotel’s world-class staff, and eight months with various industry partners, in order to hone their skills as chefs, restaurant service staff and housekeeping staff.
The PHS was funded by the Peermont Community Benefit Trust (PCBT), a CSI initiative of Emperors Palace.
“Many of these learners come from challenging backgrounds and poor communities, and the opportunity to get a foot in the door of a rewarding career is hard to come by,” says Tshidi Madima, PCBT chairperson.
“Peermont Hotel School provided these learners with the practical experience they need to build a career in hospitality, and a qualification that will boost their chances of not only developing on a personal level, but also support the upliftment of their communities.”
The training is designed to challenge the learners by placing them in the working environments relevant to their department, and teaching them valuable skills while on the job.
Learners received a Skills Proficiency Certificate for successfully completing the course, which will give them access to the marketplace and boost their employability across the industry.
In addition to opening new doors in the hospitality world, PHS has also provided many of the learners with employment opportunities closer to home.
“When I started at the Peermont Hotel School, I had no experience in hospitality, so I had to work hard to prove myself and show my commitment to the programme,” says Manelisi Ndlovu, a PHS graduate.
Ndlovu, who started as a waiter in the Food and Beverage department at PHS, now works at the reception of the five star D’oreale Grande hotel in Johannesburg.
“Opportunities for PHS students are not just limited to Peermont positions,” says Dave Milne, PHS director.
“Through the full year of training at PHS, the chances of being employed at any number of institutions within the hospitality industry across the country are much higher for the students.”
Celo, the appointed service provider for the development and delivery of PHS training programmes, is currently working towards providing learners with opportunities to experience external events and functions to broaden their employment potential after completing the course.
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