How to Apply for CATHSSETA Funded Employment and Training Opportunities

Are you ready to kickstart your career in South Africa’s vibrant tourism, hospitality, or arts sector?
CATHSSETA — the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority — is opening doors for thousands of young people and unemployed adults through funded Employment and Training Opportunities.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply, where to find training providers, stipend information, and everything you need to successfully claim your spot!

Introduction to CATHSSETA Opportunities

CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) is one of the 21 SETAs established to promote skills development in South Africa.
Each year, CATHSSETA offers funded Learnerships, Internships, Skills Programs, and Bursaries — aimed at improving the employability of unemployed youth, graduates, and adults.

Key Industries Covered:

Tourism
Hospitality
Sport
Arts and Culture
Conservation
Heritage

Whether you dream of becoming a hotel manager, event coordinator, museum curator, or travel agent, CATHSSETA can help make that dream a reality.

What Types of Funded Opportunities Are Available?

CATHSSETA offers four major types of opportunities:

Opportunity Type	Description	Duration
Learnerships	Formal programs that combine theory and workplace experience	12 – 18 months
Internships	Workplace experience programs for recent graduates	6 – 12 months
Skills Programs	Short training courses focusing on specific skills	1 – 6 months
Bursaries	Financial assistance for higher education studies	1+ years

Popular Learnerships Funded:

Professional Cookery
Tourist Guiding
Event Management
Sports Administration
Nature Conservation
Museum Practice

Each program includes theoretical training by accredited training providers plus practical work experience with employers in the sector.

Who Qualifies to Apply?

To qualify for most CATHSSETA funded programs, you need to:

Be a South African citizen
Be unemployed (for most learnerships and internships)
Have a Grade 12/Matric certificate (some programs may accept lower NQF levels)
Meet specific academic or skill requirements for the program
Be committed to completing the full duration of the program

Bonus: Priority is often given to:

Youth (18–35 years old)
People living with disabilities
Women
Previously disadvantaged groups

Important: You must not be participating in another funded learnership/internship when you apply.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Applying for CATHSSETA funded opportunities is straightforward if you follow the correct process.

Step 1: Research Available Programs

Visit www.cathsseta.org.za
Follow CATHSSETA on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Check local newspapers, community centers, and municipal offices

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will typically need:

Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
Certified copies of your qualifications (Matric, certificates, diploma, etc.)
Updated CV
Proof of residence
Medical report (if applying under a disability category)

Step 3: Find Accredited Training Providers

Check the CATHSSETA website for a list of accredited providers (More below!)
Contact providers directly to inquire about open programs.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Depending on the program:

Apply online via portals like SAYouth.mobi, or
Apply directly to training providers or employers

Step 5: Attend Interviews or Assessments

Be ready for interviews, screening tests, or psychometric assessments.

Top Accredited CATHSSETA Training Providers

When choosing where to apply, it’s crucial you work with an accredited provider.

Here are some of the popular CATHSSETA-accredited training institutions:

Training Provider	Specialization	Location
HTA School of Culinary Art	Professional Cookery	Randburg, Gauteng
International Hotel School	Hospitality Management	Nationwide
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)	Tourism Management	Pretoria
Boland College	Hospitality and Tourism	Western Cape
The Business School of South Africa	Tourism and Events	Johannesburg
College of Cape Town	Art and Design	Cape Town
Northlink College	Travel and Tourism	Cape Town

Always verify the latest accreditation list directly from CATHSSETA’s website or their regional offices.

Application Tips to Stand Out

To maximize your chances:

Tailor your CV
Highlight relevant skills like customer service, communication, teamwork.

Apply Early
Programs often have limited spots — first come, first served applies.

Double-check Documents
Make sure all your certifications and IDs are correctly certified and valid.

Follow Up
After applying, send a polite email or call to confirm your application.

Stay Professional
Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions related to tourism, hospitality, arts, and customer service.

Stipend Information: What You’ll Earn

Most CATHSSETA funded programs offer a monthly stipend to help cover your basic expenses during the training.

Program Type	Estimated Stipend (Monthly)
Learnership	R2,500 – R4,500
Internship	R3,500 – R6,000
Skills Programs	R1,500 – R3,000 (shorter term)

Stipends are usually paid directly by the employer or the training provider. You may also receive additional support like travel allowances in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often are applications open?
A: Different providers open intakes throughout the year, but peak seasons are January–March and July–September.

Q: Can I apply if I have a diploma already?
A: Yes! Graduates looking for practical experience can apply for internships.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: While most programs target youth aged 18–35, some may accept applicants outside this range.

Q: Can I apply if I have a disability?
A: Absolutely! Special accommodation and priority may even be given.

Final Thoughts — Your Future Starts Now!

CATHSSETA-funded programs are a golden chance to build a career in South Africa’s most dynamic industries.

By applying:

You gain nationally recognized qualifications
You open doors to permanent employment
You receive a stipend while learning!

Start by researching providers today,
Prepare your documents early,
Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances,
Stay motivated — your breakthrough is closer than you think!

Ready to build your dream career? Apply for CATHSSETA Funded Employment and Training Opportunities today and step confidently into your future!

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