Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the fully funded Artisan Chef Programme 2026.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Learnership Location: Phokeng, North West, South Africa
Royal Bafokeng Institute Artisan Chef Programme 2026
The Royal Bafokeng Institute is recruiting unemployed young South Africans for a three-year QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef programme.
The programme is described as fully funded and paid and combines:
- Theoretical learning.
- Practical training.
- Workplace learning.
It is designed for candidates who want to build professional skills for careers within the hospitality, restaurant and catering sectors.
Programme Overview
Organisation: Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI)
Programme: Artisan Chef Programme 2026
Qualification: QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef
Duration: 3 years
Funding: Fully funded
Payment: Paid programme
Age Requirement: 18–35 years
Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 with Mathematical Literacy
Location: Phokeng, North West
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Application Methods: Email or hand delivery
Qualification Offered
Successful candidates will work towards the:
QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef
The programme combines formal learning with practical and workplace-based training.
Programme Duration
The Artisan Chef Programme runs for:
Three years
Applicants should therefore be available and prepared to commit to the full training period.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be unemployed.
- Have Grade 12 with Mathematical Literacy.
- Not currently be participating in another programme funded by government or another public institution.
Previous professional chef experience is not listed as a requirement.
Applicants with Disabilities
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants applying under this provision must provide:
Proof of disability
What the Programme Covers
The programme is described as:
Fully funded and paid
However, the supplied information does not specify:
- The stipend or payment amount.
- Accommodation funding.
- Transport support.
- Meal allowances.
- Uniform costs.
Applicants should therefore confirm these details directly with RBI if shortlisted.
What Participants Will Learn
The programme combines:
- Theoretical Chef training.
- Practical culinary training.
- Workplace exposure.
Participants will work towards developing competencies relevant to professional food preparation and hospitality environments.
Professional Chef Training
The occupational programme prepares participants for work in Hotels, Restaurants and Catering establishments.
Training may involve learning how to:
- Plan food preparation.
- Organise kitchen activities.
- Prepare food.
- Cook meals.
- Finish and present food.
- Follow workplace procedures.
- Maintain professional kitchen standards.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- CV.
- Certified South African ID not older than three months.
- Latest academic results or Matric certificate.
Applicants with disabilities should also submit:
- Proof of disability.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews.
Applicants should also note that shortlisted candidates will undergo:
Compulsory drug and toxicology testing
Regular drug testing will also form part of the programme.
How to Apply for Royal Bafokeng Institute Artisan Chef Programme 2026
Applicants can apply either by hand delivery or email.
Hand-Delivery Applications
Applications may be submitted at:
Royal Bafokeng Institute Offices
Phokeng, North West
Applications should be marked for the attention of:
Julia Tsitsi
Email Applications
Applications may also be emailed to either of the following addresses:
or
Applicants should attach all required supporting documents before submitting their email.
Learnership Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
24 August 2026
Applicants should submit complete applications before the deadline.
Important Application Notes
Applicants should note that:
- The programme runs for three years.
- It leads to a QCTO Occupational Certificate: Chef.
- It is described as fully funded and paid.
- The exact stipend amount is not specified.
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Applicants must be aged 18–35.
- Applicants must be unemployed.
- Grade 12 with Mathematical Literacy is required.
- Applicants may not be participating in another government or public-institution-funded programme.
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Certified ID copies must not be older than three months.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo compulsory drug and toxicology testing.
- Applications may be submitted by email or hand delivery.
- Applications close on 24 August 2026.