Professional Cookery Skills Training Sandton

📘 Overview:

The Maslow Hotel Sandton, a leading establishment under the prestigious Sun International brand, is proud to offer a transformative learnership opportunity for South African youth who are passionate about culinary arts and hospitality. This NC (National Certificate) Professional Cookery Learnership is specifically designed for individuals who have completed their Grade 12 studies and are seeking to gain practical experience and accredited skills training in the hospitality industry.

With a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, the programme will welcome 10 dynamic and motivated individuals, with a strong encouragement for candidates living with disabilities to apply. Over the 12-month duration of the programme, learners will engage in both theoretical training and real-world kitchen experience under the guidance of experienced chefs and mentors. This dual approach ensures that learners not only gain nationally recognized qualifications but also hands-on expertise that can launch their careers in professional kitchens, hotels, or the broader food and beverage industry.

The programme is structured around a legally binding learnership agreement between the learner, the employer (The Maslow Hotel), and the service provider delivering the training. Participants will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, top-tier hospitality staff, and a culture of excellence in culinary service. Successful learners will receive a stipend and a qualification that will enhance their employability and readiness for the demanding world of professional cookery.

🎓 Minimum Requirements:

• South African citizen with a valid ID

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Motivational Letter

• Hospitality or Culinary Certificate (advantageous but not required)

🧠 Key Competencies and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Passion for food, cooking, and customer service

• Problem-solving mindset and proactive attitude

• Ability to work well in a team environment

• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays

• Fluent in spoken and written English

🧑‍🍳 Responsibilities:

• Complete theoretical and practical cookery modules

• Participate actively in kitchen preparation and food service

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen environment

• Assist with mise en place, stock control, and food storage

• Uphold Sun International’s high standards in service and safety

• Demonstrate progress in culinary competencies during evaluations

📝 Important Notes:

• Duration: 12-month contract

• Type: Temporary Learnership (Full-Time)

• Stipend: Market-related

• Work Level: Junior

• Equity Status: Open to all; applications from persons with disabilities are encouraged

• Agreement: A formal learnership agreement will be signed

📄 Professional Summary for CV (Include in Application):

An aspiring culinary professional with a strong foundation in academic achievement, holding a Grade 12 certificate and a deep passion for the food and hospitality industry. Demonstrates a natural flair for teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure kitchen environment. Adept at following instructions, maintaining hygiene standards, and proactively supporting food preparation tasks. Committed to continuous learning and career development in the culinary arts, with a genuine enthusiasm for customer service and kitchen excellence.

Seeks to grow through hands-on experience and structured learning within a reputable hospitality brand like The Maslow Hotel. Brings strong interpersonal communication, reliability, and an eagerness to contribute to a collaborative kitchen team. With an understanding of professional kitchen etiquette and a motivation to learn from seasoned chefs, this candidate is well-positioned to thrive in a formal cookery training programme and to transition into the professional workforce with competence and confidence.

📘 Comprehensive Guide to Creating an ATS-Friendly CV

✅ What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a digital tool used by most companies to screen job applications before a human sees them. It scans CVs for keywords, qualifications, and structure. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might be rejected automatically—even if you're qualified.

That’s why it’s critical to ensure your CV is formatted and written to be both ATS-readable and appealing to human recruiters.

🛠️ How to Structure an ATS-Friendly CV

Use this order for your sections:

1. Full Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Location

   • No need to include your ID number or full residential address.

   • Include a LinkedIn link if relevant.

2. Professional Summary (Must be personalized for every job)

   • Write 2 clear paragraphs about your experience, strengths, and career goals.

   • Mention key terms from the job description.

3. Core Skills

   • Bullet points with skills related to the job.

   • For example: Customer Service, Food Safety, Knife Handling, Time Management, Communication, Teamwork.

4. Education

   • State your qualification, the school name, and year completed.

   • Example: National Senior Certificate (Grade 12), XYZ High School, 2022

5. Certificates or Additional Training

   • List anything related to the industry: Food Handling, First Aid, Hospitality, Driver's Licence, RE5, etc.

6. Work or Volunteer Experience

   • Include job title, company, dates, and bullet points for duties and achievements.

   • Even informal or volunteer experience counts—such as cooking for community events, cleaning, delivery help, tutoring, etc.

7. References

   • You can write: “Available on request.”

✍️ Typography and Layout Tips

• Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana.

• Keep font size between 10.5pt and 12pt.

• Use black text only on a plain white background.

• Do not use columns, images, icons, or symbols—ATS software struggles to read these.

• Save your CV as a PDF, unless told otherwise in the job advert.

📸 Should You Add a Photo?

Avoid adding a photo unless the employer specifically asks for one. Photos can confuse ATS scanners and may lead to automatic rejections. Let your skills speak louder than your looks.

📝 Content Optimization Tips for ATS

• Mirror the exact keywords used in the job advert. For example: If the job says “food prep,” don’t write “meal prep”—match the words.

• Mention both full forms and abbreviations (e.g. RE5 and Regulatory Exam 5).

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs in your work history and skills.

• Keep your formatting consistent and clean.

💼 Professional Summary Example (Hospitality or Cookery Learnership)

Example:

I am a passionate and motivated individual with a strong interest in hospitality and food service. I recently completed my Grade 12 and am eager to begin a structured learnership program where I can gain both theoretical and hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. I bring energy, attention to detail, and a natural enthusiasm for food preparation, teamwork, and providing excellent service.

I am committed to building a long-term career in the culinary industry and contributing positively to every team I join. I work well under pressure, learn quickly, and adapt easily to shifts or customer needs. With a positive attitude and willingness to learn, I am confident that I can thrive in a learnership like the one offered by The Maslow Hotel Sandton and continue developing my professional and personal skills in a supportive work environment.

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using columns or tables in your layout

• Saving in Word format when PDF is required

• Adding photos, logos, or graphics

• Using casual fonts like Comic Sans or script styles

• Spelling mistakes or inconsistent formatting

• Using vague job descriptions (“Did cleaning”) instead of detailed bullet points (“Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen according to health standards”)

📋 Final Checklist Before Submitting Your CV

• ✅ Saved as a PDF

• ✅ Uses standard black text on a white background

• ✅ Customized summary and keywords for each job

• ✅ Clearly labeled sections

• ✅ No design elements like borders, tables, or images

• ✅ No spelling or grammar errors

• ✅ File name is something professional: Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf

📬 How to Apply:

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Certified copy of ID

• Matric Certificate or equivalent

• Curriculum Vitae

• Motivational Letter (detailing interest in hospitality and cookery)

Apply via the official Sun International Careers Portal.