2026 Eskom Hospitality Apprenticeship: Full Guide to Applications, Benefits & Career Paths

Eskom has officially opened applications for its sought-after Hospitality Learnership Programme for 2026. This structured 24-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) presents a critical opportunity for 10 qualified young South Africans to gain formal, high-level workplace experience within the corporate hospitality division of a national energy leader. Based at the state-of-the-art Eskom Academy of Learning in Midrand, this program is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, creating highly employable hospitality professionals. 2026 Eskom Hospitality Apprenticeship

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the Eskom Hospitality Learnership 2026, from eligibility and application steps to the advanced skills you will acquire and the career paths it unlocks.

Program Overview at a Glance

Programme Name: Eskom Hospitality Learnership Programme 2026
Positions: X10 Learner, Hospitality
Contract Type: 24-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Learnership)
Location: Eskom Academy of Learning, Midrand
Industry: Corporate Hospitality & Catering Services
Stipend/Renumeration: Market-related, in line with Eskom’s learnership policies
Listing Reference: eskom_002420
Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
Experience Required: None. This is an entry-level career accelerator.

What is the Eskom Hospitality Learnership?

This is not a basic internship. The Eskom Hospitality Learnership is a rigorous, hands-on training program where learners are integrated into the operational heart of Eskom’s professional hospitality department. Under the guidance of the Executive Chef and hospitality management team, learners participate directly in the daily functions of a large-scale corporate kitchen and food service operation.

The program’s purpose is to develop well-rounded professionals equipped for supervisory roles. It moves beyond just culinary tasks to encompass the full spectrum of managing a premium hospitality service in a corporate environment.

Core Learning Exposure Includes:

Corporate Catering Operations: Managing food production and service for a large organization.
Administration & Compliance Procedures: Essential back-office skills for hospitality management.
Health, Safety & Hygiene Standards: Training to meet and exceed industry and ISO standards.
Corporate Customer Service: Delivering service excellence in a professional business setting.
People Management & Leadership Fundamentals: Foundational training in leading teams.

Detailed Responsibilities: A Hands-On Role

As a Learner in Hospitality, you will be an active contributor. Key responsibilities are designed to build competence and confidence:

Food Preparation & Production: Assisting in the planning and creation of meals for corporate functions and daily service.
Stock Management & Control: Learning inventory systems, ordering, and cost-control measures.
Hospitality Administration: Completing logs, reports, and compliance documentation.
Implementation of ISO Standards: Applying international best practices for quality and safety.
Professional Customer Service: Interacting with and serving Eskom staff and guests.
Rigorous Adherence to Protocols: Ensuring strict compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations at all times.

Skills and Knowledge You Will Develop

This learnership is engineered for holistic professional development. You will expand your expertise in critical areas:

Current Hospitality & Catering Trends
Food & Beverage Establishment Management
Basic Hospitality Financial Management
Cost Management & Profitability Principles
Advanced Maintenance & Hygiene Standards
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Processes
Industry Benchmarking & Best Practices

Behavioural Competencies and Professional Standards

Eskom seeks candidates who embody the professionalism required in high-stakes environments. The desired behavioural expectations include:

Demonstrated Leadership Potential
Positive Attitude and Professional Demeanour
Strong Customer Focus
Performance Driven Under Pressure
High Emotional Maturity and Unwavering Professionalism

Minimum Requirements for Application

Candidates must meet all the following criteria to be considered:

Qualification (Non-negotiable):
A National Certificate or National N Certificate at NQF Level 6 with 240 credits in one of the following fields:

Catering Management
Catering and Hospitality Services
Hotelkeeping

Experience:

No prior work experience is required. This program is specifically tailored for graduates who hold the requisite qualification but lack practical workplace exposure.

Ideal Candidates:

Recent Hospitality Graduates from Universities of Technology.
TVET College Graduates with an NQF Level 6 qualification.
Hotel School Graduates seeking corporate experience.
Any eligible youth who has struggled to transition from qualification to employment.

How to Apply for the Eskom Hospitality Learnership 2026

Follow these steps carefully. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Eskom Careers Website.
Search for the Listing: Use the reference number eskom_002420 in the search bar or browse available learnerships.
Complete the Online Application: Fill in all required fields accurately.
Upload Required Documents: You will need clear copies of:
- Your comprehensive CV
- South African ID Document
- Relevant Certified Qualification Certificates (NQF Level 6)
Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your application is fully submitted by 12 January 2026.

Career Pathways Post-Learnership

Graduating from this accredited program with Eskom on your CV significantly enhances your employability. Career progression opportunities include:

Assistant Chef / Commis Chef
Catering Manager
Food and Beverage Coordinator
Hospitality Administrator
Functions Coordinator
Corporate Catering Supervisor
Pathway to: Executive Chef or Corporate Hospitality Manager (with further experience)

The combination of a formal qualification and practical, standards-based experience at a reputable organization like Eskom makes graduates highly competitive in the broader hospitality, tourism, hotel, and corporate services sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this a permanent job at Eskom?
No, this is a 24-month fixed-term learnership contract. Its primary purpose is intensive skills development and workplace exposure, which serves as a powerful springboard for your permanent career.

2. Is prior work experience really not needed?
Correct. This program is designed for qualified candidates who lack practical experience. It is the ideal bridge between academic study and professional employment.

3. Will I be paid during the learnership?
Yes. Successful candidates will receive a market-related stipend/remuneration for the duration of the 24-month contract, in accordance with Eskom’s learnership compensation standards.

4. Where will I be based?
The learnership is based at the Eskom Academy of Learning (EAL) in Midrand, Gauteng. All practical training and work exposure will occur within this facility and Eskom’s associated hospitality operations.

5. I have a Hospitality NC(V) or diploma from a TVET College. Can I apply?
Yes, provided your certificate is at NQF Level 6 and carries 240 credits. You must check your certificate’s SAQA-aligned level to confirm eligibility.

6. What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted via the Eskom careers portal by Monday, 12 January 2026. Applications after this date will not be accepted.