Having identified a desperate need for trained talent, particularly in the top-end food and beverage sector, Cape Grace launched a Bar & Waitron Training School at the beginning of August 2006.
The school began with a search for passionate pupils, keen to enter the industry and willing to serve others. The criteria are that scholars have a Matric certificate and no other permanent employment. With invitations posted around the hotel's staff areas and word of mouth spreading like wild fire, over 50 applicants were soon screened.
Siyanda Dumalisile, Ruqaiya Salie, Andiswa Gobeni, Thembile Breakfast and Fezekile Mbane were the lucky five selected and have been hard at work since.
With a desire to enhance service levels of existing businesses, Forbes & Ploum joined Cape Grace as the hospitality-training partner. The carefully designed three-month program includes an introduction to hospitality, basic communication skills, complaint handling, service standards, table set-up, operating equipment, menu and product knowledge, and more.
But it's not all nose-to-the-grindstone... In their last month of training, students enjoy wine, whisky, coffee, and tea tasting; site inspections of other hotels; industry related factory visits; and menu tasting.
Students are paid a monthly allowance and enjoy a daily meal with Cape Grace staff.
At the end of the program, successful scholars receive a Cape Grace Bar & Waitron Training School certificate and the possibility of a position at Cape Grace. Positions include among others: in-room dining or library waitron, pool service waitron, onewaterfront and Bascule Bar waitron or bar staff.
Speaking proudly of the students, Cape Grace training manager Dorothy van Hoorn comments, "The Cape Grace Bar & Waitron Training School was created to address the skills shortage challenge that the industry has faced for some time now. The school serves to uplift the industry as qualified students move into the field. However, it is not only the industry that will enjoy a larger pool of skill to recruit from, historically disadvantaged families will reap the benefits too."
