Joburg City Theatres is recruiting unemployed youth for a 12-month Professional Cookery Learnership in 2026. The CATHSSETA-funded programme leads to a Level 4 certificate and pays a monthly stipend of R3,500. Applicants must live within the City of Johannesburg, arrange their own transport and submit applications by 29 July 2026.
The programme will combine classroom instruction with practical workplace experience in the hospitality industry. Therefore, successful candidates will learn professional cooking principles while developing the hands-on discipline needed in a working kitchen.
Joburg City Theatres, a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, published the opportunity on 17 July 2026. Applications remain open for less than two weeks.
Why could this cookery learnership launch a hospitality career?
The programme leads to a Certificate in Professional Cookery at Level 4. Moreover, it gives learners an opportunity to connect culinary theory with practical experience.
Learners can expect exposure to the working standards of the hospitality industry. These may include food preparation, kitchen discipline, hygiene, teamwork and professional communication.
In addition, the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority funds the programme. This support allows Joburg City Theatres to provide structured training and a monthly learner allowance.
How much financial support will learners receive?
The programme will run for 12 months, and each learner will receive R3,500 per month throughout the learnership.
Joburg City Theatres will pay the stipend in accordance with the approved funding guidelines of the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority.
However, candidates must arrange their own transport. Applicants should therefore consider whether the monthly allowance will cover their travel and other personal expenses for the full year.
Who qualifies for the Joburg City Theatres programme?
Applicants must be unemployed South African citizens between 18 and 35 years old. They must also reside within the City of Johannesburg.
Candidates need Grade 12 or an equivalent National Qualifications Framework Level 4 qualification. In addition, they must have completed English as a Grade 12 subject and communicate effectively in the language.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be unemployed
- Reside within the City of Johannesburg
- Hold Grade 12 or an equivalent Level 4 qualification
- Have completed English as a Grade 12 subject
- Read, write and communicate effectively in English
- Have an interest in cooking and the hospitality industry
- Attend classroom and workplace training for the full 12 months
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills
- Be reliable, committed and willing to learn
- Have no criminal record
- Arrange their own transport
People with disabilities are encouraged to submit their details because Joburg City Theatres follows an equal-opportunity employment approach.
Can candidates join another funded programme at the same time?
No. Candidates may not participate in another learnership, internship or funded skills programme during the 12-month cookery learnership.
This restriction helps learners give the classroom and workplace components their full attention. Therefore, candidates already registered for another funded programme should check their current agreement before submitting.
Successful applicants must also sign a learnership agreement with Joburg City Theatres, the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, and the appointed training provider.
Which documents must accompany the application?
Candidates must prepare a cover letter, updated curriculum vitae and the supporting documents requested by Joburg City Theatres.
The application must include:
- A cover letter
- An updated curriculum vitae
- A certified copy of a South African identity document
- A certified Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification
- Certified copies of any other relevant certificates
- Proof of residence within the City of Johannesburg
- A confirmation letter from the relevant Ward Councillor
Importantly, the certified identity and qualification documents must not be older than three months.
Before emailing the documents, applicants should ensure that each attachment remains clear, complete and correctly named.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Use your cover letter to explain why professional cookery interests you and how you will manage the transport requirement for 12 months. Also obtain the Ward Councillor’s residency confirmation early, because leaving this document until the final day could delay your submission.
Does completing the learnership guarantee permanent employment?
No. Joburg City Theatres does not guarantee employment after learners complete the programme.
In addition, the organisation may place or decline to place candidates according to its operational needs and requirements.
Nevertheless, the Level 4 certificate and workplace experience can help successful learners build a foundation for opportunities in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, event venues and institutional kitchens.
How must candidates submit their applications?
Candidates must address their applications to Nkosana Mathebula, Skills Development Facilitator, and email the complete documents to:
jobapplications5@joburgtheatre.com
Every application must quote the reference number:
REF. NO. JCT/2026/07
A suitable email subject line would be:
Professional Cookery Learnership – REF. NO. JCT/2026/07 – Full Name
Applications close on 29 July 2026. Candidates can direct relevant enquiries to Nkosana Mathebula on 011 877 6918.
Joburg City Theatres will communicate with shortlisted candidates only. Therefore, applicants who receive no response within two months after the deadline should consider their applications unsuccessful.
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Final Thoughts
The Joburg City Theatres Professional Cookery Learnership 2026 gives unemployed youth an opportunity to earn a Level 4 certificate while gaining practical hospitality experience.
Furthermore, the R3,500 monthly stipend will provide financial support throughout the 12-month programme. However, candidates must arrange their own transport and prove that they live within the City of Johannesburg.
Eligible applicants should obtain their Ward Councillor letters, certify the required documents and email complete submissions before 29 July 2026.
