Chosen from hundreds of applicants from across the country, five contestants were narrowed down to take part in the five-day challenge at The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town.
Contestants completed various challenges in a range of hospitality departments at the host hotel. The contestants worked nine hour days, faced challenges that included working at the reception desk, in the food and beverage departments, spontaneously woken up early hours of the morning to restock the bar, and being unexpectedly tasked with having to clean rooms for new arrivals late at night. Each task was designed to prepare the students for life in the hospitality industry and required them to be able to work individually, as well as part of a team.
"It is always great to see young, talented people giving their best. This year's finalists were very eager and showed a lot of team work and passion with all of the tasks and challenges that they faced," says Chris Godenir, general manager of The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, adding that this group was by far the best they have ever received.
Michaela, who is about to complete her Matric finals in her home town of Wartburg, Kwazulu-Natal, has a passion for the hospitality industry, and felt that the Boot Camp would be the perfect opportunity to realise her dreams. After being named the overall winner, Michaela frantically said "I'm going to cry!", before shedding tears of joy.
"Winning this competition gives me a chance to prove myself, the experience I have had so far has already taught me so much and opened my eyes to the hotel business," says Michaela, continuing with "It has also helped me see that through hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals." says Micaela.
The final scores were very close and so the judges felt that instead of awarding just one prize, an additional two bursaries would be awarded to the runner-ups. First runner-up was Helena Lategan from Eeste River, who won a 50% discount on the bursary for The International Hotel School, or a 100% sponsorship on a three-year in-service traineeship. The second runner-up prize went to Yolanda Willie from Nyanga, who receives a 25% discount at the International Hotel school, or a 100% sponsorship on a two-year in-service traineeship.
A Social Media Award was also presented to the contestants who promoted their experience the best using Twitter and Facebook platforms. This was awarded to Kyle Cummings and Nathan Muller. See their updates #IHSbootcamp.
Tasks were marked according to criteria and judged by a panel industry professionals including Eben Lassen, GM of Bantry Bay Luxury Suites Hotel; Desmond O'Connor, GM of Mandela Rhodes Place; Alan Lester, principal of the International Hotel School Cape Town's Campus; Chris Godenir, GM of The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel.
