The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is inviting applications for its 2025/2026 skills development programmes. These opportunities include learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills programmes aimed at unemployed youth and employees in the tourism, hospitality, and sport sectors. The programmes provide stipends, bursary funding, and nationally recognized qualifications. Interested candidates should apply before the early 2026 deadlines, typically around March.
What Is CATHSSETA?
CATHSSETA was established under South Africa’s Skills Development Act to promote skills growth within the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sport industries. It focuses on empowering unemployed youth and sector workers by funding training programmes aligned with the needs of employers and communities. The organisation works closely with accredited providers to deliver practical and theoretical training that leads to qualifications recognized nationally.
Available Programmes
Learnerships
Learnerships combine classroom learning with workplace experience in fields such as Professional Cookery, Tour Guiding, and Event Management. They last between 12 and 18 months and offer stipends ranging from R2,500 to R4,000 per month. Applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate.
Bursaries
Bursaries support tertiary education in areas like Tourism Management and Hospitality. They cover tuition fees, books, and accommodation, with values up to R70,000. These programmes range from 1 to 4 years. To apply, candidates need a Grade 12 certificate and acceptance into a tertiary institution.
Internships
Internships provide practical experience aligned with qualifications from NQF Level 5 to 7. They typically run for 12 to 24 months and include stipends similar to learnerships. Applicants should hold a diploma or degree relevant to the field.
Skills Programmes
Short courses lasting 1 to 6 months focus on specific skills like Accommodation Services or Sport Coaching. These programmes offer partial funding but do not include stipends. A Grade 12 certificate is usually required.
Structure and Outcomes
Each programme includes a balance of theoretical training, practical workplace experience, and assessments. On completion, participants receive nationally recognized qualifications or certificates, enhancing their employability within the tourism, hospitality, or sport sectors.
Training is delivered through CATHSSETA-accredited institutions ensuring quality and relevance.
Who Should Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old for learnerships and bursaries (no age limit for internships).
- Hold the required academic qualifications (Grade 12 for learnerships and skills programmes, and relevant tertiary qualifications for bursaries and internships).
- Be unemployed or currently working in tourism, hospitality, or sport, depending on the programme.
- Have no prior participation in the same CATHSSETA programme.
- Pass background checks including criminal record verification.
Preference is given to candidates from designated employment equity groups, such as Black South Africans, Coloureds, Indians, women, and persons with disabilities. Priority is also given to residents of Gauteng, Western Cape, or KwaZulu-Natal.
Skills and Attributes Needed
Participants should demonstrate:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Interest and passion for tourism, hospitality, or sport.
- Customer service abilities and teamwork skills (particularly for learnerships and internships).
- Basic numeracy and computer literacy.
- Professionalism and adaptability in service-oriented environments.
Benefits of Joining CATHSSETA Programmes
By participating in CATHSSETA’s skills development initiatives, candidates gain:
- Monthly stipends between R2,500 and R4,000 (for learnerships and internships).
- Financial assistance covering tuition, books, and accommodation (bursaries up to R70,000).
- Nationally recognized qualifications (from NQF Level 2 to 7).
- Improved job prospects and career growth within key service industries.
- Access to mentorship and accredited training providers.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025/2026 intake open now and close in early 2026 (typically March for bursaries). To apply:
- Send your application by email to info@cathsseta.org.za, or
- Hand-deliver to 270 George Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1687, or
- Mail to PO Box 1329, Rivonia, 2128.
Your application must include:
- A detailed CV.
- Certified copies of your South African ID.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications or proof of tertiary acceptance (for bursaries).
- Proof of residence (certified and dated within the last 6 months).
- Clearly state the programme you are applying for (e.g., Learnership: Professional Cookery, Bursary: Tourism Management).
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. No application fees are required.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 60 to 90 days after the closing date. Background checks will be conducted. If you do not receive feedback within 90 days, assume your application was unsuccessful.
Contact Details
For more information, contact CATHSSETA:
- Email: info@cathsseta.org.za
- Phone: +27 11 217 0600
- Physical address: 270 George Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1687
- Postal address: PO Box 1329, Rivonia, 2128
Visit the official website at cathsseta.org.za.
This programme offers a valuable chance to develop practical skills, earn recognized qualifications, and launch a career in some of South Africa’s fastest-growing industries. Apply early to secure your spot in the 2025/2026 cycle.