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Cater Care

01 March 2023 Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

For Immediate Release
01 March 2023

Another prestigious ceremony was held at the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) on Friday, 24 February 2023, to honour 25 students who successfully completed the Cater Care/Food Handler Programme. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) last year, on 17 October 2022, kicked of its 2022/2023 Cater Care/ Food Handler Programme.

The successful partnership of approximately twelve (12) years between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) continues to equip youth with vital skills in the hospitality industry.

Last year 223 applications were received from youth across the district to be part of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews, of which 25 were selected to be part of the 2022/2023 flagship programme.

During the formal graduation ceremony, Chef Francois Ferreira, Head and Founder of the FFA welcomed the students and guests, and shared a special message with them. He pointed out that they had been in the new building for exactly one year. He recalled there were only boxes and equipment in the building last year, but now it is a fully equipped school with a fully functional restaurant.  “In this industry, we change lives, and I hope that what you’ve learned here will, in a small or big way change the way you think and the way you approach life, because this isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle,” Chef Ferreira encouraged students.

Ms Veronica Mekile, Project Administrator and Life-skills Facilitator of the FFA, provided a brief overview of the course and elaborated on the joy and satisfaction the FFA team experiences when they observe the student’s progress.

Ms Pheliswa Gobisiba, one of the graduating students, delivered a tribute of praised to all the role players involved for the great opportunity. She expressed her gratitude to the staff of the FFA for what they have done for them. “Over the past three months, it has been a long and memorable journey for us; full of excitement and challenges, but we have not lost sight of them.  I want to leave my ‘mates’ with the following message: the journey continues, let’s shine and make our chefs proud.”

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Adv. Gert van Niekerk in his speech, commended the FFA team with an exception to Chef Francois Ferreira for their well-equipped facilities. He congratulated the 25 students on their 100% pass. “This is a long-term investment and we urge you to keep up the good work. Nobody can take away what you’ve got here. With this knowledge, you can succeed in the public sector. On behalf of the GRDM, we wish you all the best,” Adv Van Niekerk said.

Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, congratulated the students and motivated them with the following words: “You are the ones with the skills, the ones who ensure that people will return to a restaurant or not.  It is not how the manager of the establishment smiles or how the owner has treated them; it is what they have tasted. In spite of the fact that you are in the background, where nobody sees you, you are the ones who make people lick their fingers and return.”  Alderman Booysen further elaborated on the decision made by GRDM to become the Skills Mecca in the Western Cape, after seeing the need and the treachery the country has taken. “In this district, whoever comes in must pick up the phone, dial our number and ask us for whatever skills their business requires. Then ,with a press of a button, the names of people with that particular skills would appear on the screen. When new hotels and restaurants open, with the press of a button, your names must come up, because we have created that pool,” he said.

GRDM through its Tourism Unit is responsible for the funding of this programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing towards the stipends for the students.

-END-

Read related articles:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/12/13/12-december-2022-media-release-media-release-cater-care-students-ready-to-gain-practical-experience/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/03/14/14-march-2022-media-release-garden-route-dm-reaches-a-decade-of-ongoing-support-for-cater-care-students/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/02/05/garden-route-students-graduate-after-completing-cater-care-training-programme/

12 December 2022 Media Release: Media Release: Cater Care students ready to gain practical experience

Media Release: Cater Care students ready to gain practical experience

For Immediate Release
9 December 2022

On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the last intake of the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Programme students for 2022 completed their practical training and are now ready to begin the second phase of their training. Their training involve being placed in hospitality establishments in order to gain practical experience during the month of December. 

Earlier this year 223 applications were received from youth across the district who applied to form of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews and in the end, 25 youth were selected to be part of this year’s programme. On 17 October 2022, classes for the last intake of the program began, and the award ceremony will be held in February 2023. The Cater Care is a three (3) month programme providing both theoretical and practical (industry-based) training.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through this Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the district, in the hospitality sector. By doing so, the high unemployment rate in the district is being addressed; the unemployed are being trained in Culinary Skills, so they can find employment in local hospitality and tourism companies.

As one of GRDM’s flagship programmes, the Tourism Unit of the District Municipality is  responsible for funding the programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing to it as well.

In their last practical assignment, students prepared pastry dough.

-End-

24 August 2022 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipality, through the Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme – Call for Applications

The Garden Route District Municipality through the Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme aims to train previously disadvantaged individuals in the hospitality sector. The District Municipality through the Tourism Unit is solely responsible for the funding of this programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing towards this programme.

GRDM aims to address the high rate of unemployment within the District. In particular, the GRDM seeks to provide Culinary Skills training to unemployed people in the District. The Cater Care Training Programme is intended to equip people to access jobs in the local hospitality industry and tourism sector.

The Cater Care programme occurs over a three (3) month period and provides an accredited course with theoretical and practical (industry – learnership) training. This year the course takes place from September 2022 until December 2022.

Criteria for the learners:

  • Must be a SA Citizen
  • Aged 18-30
  • Unemployed
  • School Qualification Grade 10 to Grade 12
  • Must have a bank account
  • Must have a Tax number
  • Eager to shape a career in the hospitality industry
  • Reside in the Garden Route District Municipal region

Application process is as follows:

  • Prospective learners must apply in person at the Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street in George.
  • All applicants must bring their CV, certified ID Copy, and school results. Certification of documents must not be older than 3 months
  • Letter from the bank confirming their account
  • Must have a contact cell phone number plus an alternative number

Contact details:    

Address: François Ferreira Academy
Farm 208. R102 Airport Road
George, Western Cape
South Africa

Contact person: Ms Veronica Mekile (veronica@francoisferreira.com)
Office number: 044 – 884 0765; Office hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Mon- Thu); 08:00 – 15:00 (Fri)

The deadline date is 15 September 2022 for all applications to be submitted
*All successful candidates are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements and transport and only serious and committed applicants will be considered for this opportunity.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300

Copies of notices in all three official languages of the Western Cape:

14 March 2022 Media Release: Garden Route DM reaches a decade of ongoing support for Cater Care Students

Media Release: Garden Route DM reaches a decade of ongoing support for Cater Care Students

For Immediate Release
14 March 2022

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”Christian D. Larson NEW THOUGHT LEADER

Twenty-one (21) students who formed part of the 2nd intake of the current three-year (2020 till 2023­) Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Programme were recently honoured for successfully completing the course. Their intake was on 7 September 2021.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) appointed the Francois Ferreira Academy for three (3) years through a formal tender process as the service provider to roll out the Cater Care Programme. The GRDM Council has once again approved R450 000.00 for the 2021/2022 financial year towards this programme.

The GRDM Cater Care Training Programme is a partnership between GRDM and the FFA. It provides training and ensures that students are placed in hospitality establishments to gain practical work experience during their studies. This partnership started ten (10) years ago, with ABSA Bank being the primary sponsor; however, the GRDM is now solely responsible for funding this Programme.

The Programme also aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the hospitality sector. As a result of this program, unemployed and impoverished youth have gained culinary skills to help them secure employment in the hospitality and tourism industries.

During an official certificate handover ceremony held on 10 February 2022, Veronica Mekile, Project Administrator and Life-skills Facilitator, provided a brief overview of the course. What stood out from her speech was the joy and satisfaction the FFA team experiences when they observe a student’s progress. She also shared that the Cater Care course at FFA is more than just about cooking – they added a life skills section to the course too. This helps to build students’ self-esteem and confidence and helps mould positive attitudes.

 

During the welcoming, a very proud GRDM Executive Manager of Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze expressed his gratitude and said that he always looks forward to attending these life-changing ceremonies. “Listening to the testimonies today is an example of what we come up with when we sit in our offices and think it is a miniature contribution from the municipality, but during these kinds of events, we witness how our ideas shape the lives of people.” He referred to the Statistics SA unemployment rate, which found more than 60% of youth are unemployed, including people with university degrees and diplomas.  This course is important because several young people are absorbed into the job market or start their own businesses,” Menze said.

 

Adv. Gert van Niekerk confirmed that the GRDM had committed itself to the Cater Care Programme for the 2021/22 financial year and that it will strive to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the communities. He congratulated and thanked the FFA for their remarkable job in training, development, and alleviation of poverty and unemployment in the district.  Adv. van Niekerk said that this programme would not have been successful without their hard work, dedication, and commitment.

He congratulated the students with the following words, “We as the Garden Route District Municipal Council wish you well with your future plans; we hope you will be successful in everything you do, and we are very proud of you”.  He concluded his address by encouraging the students with words a mentor shared with him years ago when he was on the verge of receiving his qualification – “To achieve what you have achieved is the easy part. Dedication, study, practice and determination brought you here, where you received your diploma as recognition today. Now comes the difficult part; to be worthy of that diploma. In the years to come, wherever life may take you, be worthy of this day. You’ve worked hard for it; you deserve it, now it is in your hands. I do trust that you will do as such,” he said.

The ceremony was complemented by the following remarks from Chef François Ferreira, “This may be regarded by some only as a skill qualification, but the action goes far beyond it.  You have specific skills, and it is in your hands to decide how to use them. You can prepare food at home or start your own business. A variety of programmes are available to help young entrepreneurs get started. It is entirely up to you!”

The success of this flagship programme is as follows:

  • Cater Care – 89% success rate in placing learners in sustainable jobs;
  • 70% of learners placed on a career path by qualifying for NYCTP course; and
  • Some learners have already finished their Diploma in Food Preparation and Patisserie.

As GRDM, we are proud to acknowledge that more than 200 individuals have successfully completed training through this programme over the past decade.

 

 

28 October 2021 Media Release: Another 22 students to reap fruits from Garden Route DM Cater Care Programme

Media Release: Another 22 students to reap fruits from Garden Route DM Cater Care Programme

For Immediate Release
28 October 2021

A successful partnership of approximately ten (10) years between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) continues as GRDM recently appointed them for three (3) more years until 2023. Youth continue to be equipped with vital skills in the hospitality industry after Council availed R450 000.00 for this programme for the next 12 months.

With plenty of opportunities offered by the hospitality and tourism industry, previously disadvantaged youth are the core focus of the programme.

The FFA received 300 applications, of which 63 were shortlisted for interviews. After that, 22 youth were selected to be part of the programme.  The interview panel consisted of officials and lecturers from the FFA and GRDM Tourism and EPWP representatives.

Three (3) weeks into the programme and students already completed their theoretical training. They started practical cooking classes on 25 October, which will end on 17 November 2021. Students will apply this knowledge in the kitchen. Towards the end of November 2021, students will be given the opportunity to enter the industry to get on-job training and experience. The training programme will end in December 2021, and the certificate handover ceremony will take place during mid-January 2022.

Today, during a ‘meet-and-greet’ by the GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters and Cllr Erica Meyer, Alderlady Ruiters encouraged students to seize every opportunity they are given in life and to grab it with both hands.  She wished them well with the training programme and all their future endeavors.

30 August 2021 Notification: Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through its 3-month Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme, aims to train previously disadvantaged individuals and unemployed youth in the hospitality sector. This programme serves as a stepping stone to Garden Routers who are interested in developing culinary skills and strengthening the local hospitality industry. Each student will be given an opportunity to gain a theoretical understanding of food handling and be allowed to gain practical experience at a business too.

This year the course takes place from September 2021 till December 2021.

CRITERIA FOR THE LEARNERS

Must be a SA Citizen; Aged 18-30; Unemployed; School Qualification Grade 10 to Grade 12; Must have a bank account; Must have a Tax number; Eager to shape a career in the hospitality industry; Reside in the Garden Route DM area.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS AS FOLLOWS

Prospective learners must apply in person at the Francois Ferreira Academy by completing an application form.

All applicants must bring their CV, certified ID Copy, and school results. Certification of documents must not be older than 3 months. Letter from the bank confirming their account. Must have a contact cell phone number plus an alternative number.

Address: Francois Ferreira Academy, Mount View Resort, 1 York Street, George. Office hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Mon-Thu); 08:00-15:00 (Fri). Contact Ms Veronica Mekile if you have any questions or e-mail veronica@francoisferreira.com or call 044 884 0765.

THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR APPLICATION FORMS IS 3 SEPTEMBER 2021

*All successful candidates are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements and transport and only serious and committed applicants will be considered for this opportunity.

12 June 2021 Media Release: The world is your oyster, and nothing can keep you back!

Media release: The world is your oyster, and nothing can keep you back!

For Immediate Release
17 June 2021

”You determine your future, and you have now been equipped with the necessary skills in the culinary arts. So, decide to choose prosperity to enrich your lives and build on the stepping stones provided to you through this programme.”  With these words, Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans, a Councillor at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), encouraged students during their Cater Care graduation ceremony.

On Friday, 10 June 2021, 20 students who attended the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care programme received recognition for triumphantly completing a three (3) month-long training programme. This year’s Cater Care programme officially kicked off on 01 March 2021.

With many opportunities offered by the hospitality and tourism industry in the region, the GRDM, in collaboration with the Francois Ferreira Academy, identified a skills development programme to help youth step into the job market.  This programme aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the hospitality field. The district’s hospitality sector needs are incrementally addressed through this initiative, with more youth becoming upskilled to expedite economic growth in the area.

During the graduation ceremony, Chef Francois Ferreira, founder and Principal of the Academy, refers to the current intake of students as the most energetic group they trained to date.  He said: “This is the first group in the Cater Care Food handler programme whom we’ve received calls from all the Executive Chefs from the various restaurants; commending them on their attitudes and good work ethic”.  He further elaborated that most Executive Chefs indicated that they would like to employ these students down the line. “You made us proud,” Chef Ferreira concluded.

The GRDM Tourism Unit is responsible for coordinating funding alongside the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit, which arranges learners’ stipends. The Francois Ferreira Academy is the appointed service provider who provides the training for these students and also ensures that students are placed in hospitality establishments to gain practical work experience whilst attending the course.

Alderlady Wolmarans concluded her speech by encouraging students with a quote from the late President of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. “To the youth of today, I also have a wish to make – be the scriptwriters of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way towards a brighter future.”

3 May 2021 Media Release: Garden Route DM: Nineteen (19) youth being up-skilled for Food Handling

Media Release: Garden Route DM: Nineteen (19) youth being up-skilled for Food Handling

For Immediate Release
3 May 2021

Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor, and Ald. Rosina Ruiters, Deputy Executive Mayor for GRDM, recently visited nineteen (19) Cater Care students at the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) in George. Between the ages of 18 and 35, these students are currently busy studying a 3-month Food Handler Qualification (level 2). GRDM’s goal with this Programme is to address the high unemployment rate of South Africa and the Garden Route.

Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor (wearing a chain) and Ald. Rosina Ruiters, Deputy Executive Mayor (left of Ald. Booysen) with Cllr Rowan Spies (member of the Education, Training and Development Committee) with students and representatives from the Francois Ferreira Academy.

Alderman Memory Booysen also has a history of working in the hospitality industry and said: “The hospitality industry remains one of the key drivers of the Garden Route economy, and we will continue to fund these types of training initiatives to complement the industry”.

He further added: “The proof is in the pudding – we have supported the up-skilling of 82 youth since starting at this Council in 2016.”

“More than R1 million has been spent since 2016 on the Cater Care Programme,” Booysen said.

The Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) accredited SAQA Course (110644) consists of the following subjects:

  1. Introduction to Professional Cookery
  2. Personal Safety
  3. Workplace Safety
  4. Food Safety
  5. Numeracy and Units of Measurement
  6. Preparation Methods
  7. Production Methods

In addition to the seven (7) modules, each student will be allowed the opportunity to gain in-service training at a restaurant or hotel for ten (10) days. After that, students will officially graduate by the end of May 2021.

Feature Image Caption: Ald. Memory Booysen is shown how to safely handle a knife when cutting vegetables. With him is Mr Lwandile Green (left), Ms Siyamthanda Mahe (2nd from right) and Chef Jean-Marie Basson from Francois Ferreira Academy.

Editor’s note:

  • The Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) is a Quality Council established in 2010 in terms of the Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998) as amended in 2008.
  • The Department f Higher Education and Training (DHET) oversees this part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • The QCTO is one of three Quality Councils (QCs) responsible for a part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). 

ENDS