Dream Hotels and Resorts launches hospitality bursaries for 2022

3 Nov 2021

As part of their Tourism & You initiative to empower future hospitality leaders, Dream Hotels & Resorts (DHR) has launched four new bursary opportunities for 2022. "We rise by lifting others," says Andre De La Porte, chief executive people officer at DHR. "After 21 years of establishing our brand across the country, helping those in our local communities who need it most has become deeply ingrained within our core business values."

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By offering bursaries to South African citizens aged 18 to 27 years old, Dream Hotels & Resorts aims to encourage young individuals to develop crucial skills needed to kickstart their careers in the industry.

"We all have a role to play in raising the profile of how rewarding and stimulating a career in hospitality can be. Across our 21 properties, our staff remain our most valuable asset and we work incredibly hard to nurture new talent," he adds.

Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the Bureau for Economic Research reports that the local tourism sector went from supporting 1.6 million jobs in 2018 to 640,000 in 2020.

"This initiative also forms part of our greater efforts to further stimulate the regrowth of travel and tourism as inbound travellers return. It’s still a sector where skills remain scarce, which is why we’re on a mission to change that and ultimately ensure a brighter future."

The offering currently consists of:

● A part-time 12-month hospitality leadership development course through the Stellenbosch Graduate Institute Programme.

● A part-time 12-month online course in hospitality management run by international hotel schools.

● A part-time12-month online hospitality learnership for disabled learners.

● A full-time bursary for 1st-year studies at an approved and verified tertiary institution for a 3-year degree or equivalent qualification in Hospitality Management.

Each dedicated bursary is open to DHR staff and their children, former guests, vacation ownership members, and applicants based in communities surrounding their 21 properties.

The disability learnership is available to any applicant that has a recognised and diagnosed disability by a medical health care professional, as defined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HCPSA).

"We are looking for a range of diverse young students, recent graduates and entry-level professionals looking to get a foot in the door," says De La Porte.

"We hope that these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities will further connect our communities, guests and staff to the hospitality sector in a truly meaningful and sustainable way," he concludes.

All applicants must possess a Grade 12 certificate. More information here. ore information here.