Service excellence and well-trained staff goes hand in hand in the hotel and restaurant industry. With this in mind, the Bartenders Workshop, together with Havana Club, has established the Bartender Development Program, which will be run twice per year in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Twenty candidates from the townships of Cape Town and Johannesburg will be trained to become professional bartenders.
Bisi Thethe from Havana Club commented on this by saying, "Since the brand Havana Club is the authentic Cuban Rum, and also from the originators of the Mojito, we wanted to give back to the communities from which we all live and enjoy ourselves. Havana Club is giving people an opportunity to go into new jobs that they would not normally go into and train them to be the best they can be."
A specific, comprehensive curriculum has been set up to introduce the candidates to the world of hospitality and focus will be given on the development of personality, skills, professionalism and knowledge. Follow-up training will also be given by the Bartenders Workshop to ensure consistency and the development of the bartending industry.
The selection process was made by the WECTHA (Western Cape Taverners Hospitality Association) committee members who are active in the townships. The set for the candidates were a matric certificate, English reading, writing and verbal skills. “This project is the first of its kind in South Africa and demonstrates our commitment to the upliftment of the hospitality industry. These trainees will hopefully embrace bartending as a profession and increase the overall service levels in our country.” Etienne Schlechter, co-founder of the Bartenders Workshop.
The first workshop is set to take place on Wednesday, 3 October 2007 at the Bartenders Workshop in Cape Town.
The 20 candidates will receive the following:
* An intensive eight-week bartender training course
* All course material required
* Transport to and from the training facility
* A Bartenders Workshop cocktail kit
* Tools of the trade kit (Bar Blade/Towel/Pouch)
* A bartenders Workshop shirt/t-shirt and cap
* A certificate on completion
* A designated tutor to assist them at any time
Date: Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Time: 11:00
Venue: Bartenders Workshop
3rd Floor, Core Building
87 Sir Lowry Road
Cape Town
To RSVP or request further information, contact marlene@strategicpr.co.za by Tuesday, 2 October 2007
