The programme gives unemployed young people an opportunity to earn a nationally recognised qualification while gaining practical experience in food preparation, customer service, cash handling, stock control and workplace hygiene.
Successful learners will work towards the National Certificate: Fast Food Services at NQF Level 3 and receive a monthly stipend of R3 500, subject to attendance and participation in all required learning activities. Applicants may apply with either a Matric certificate or a Grade 11 school report. Previous work experience is not required.
AGSA Fast Food Services Learnership Programme Overview
| Training provider: African Global Skills Academy
| Programme: Fast Food Services Learnership Programme 2026
| Qualification: National Certificate: Fast Food Services
| NQF level: Level 3
| SETA: CATHSSETA
| Placement: Cape Town, Western Cape
| Monthly stipend: R3 500
| Age requirement: 18 to 28 years
| Experience required: None
| Expected starting date: 1 September 2026
| Best Before: 31 July 2026
About the Fast Food Services Learnership
The programme combines structured theoretical training with practical workplace exposure.
Learners will receive training that prepares them for entry-level roles in fast-food restaurants, catering businesses, takeaway outlets and other hospitality environments.
The learnership may cover food-service activities such as:
- Preparing ingredients
- Serving customers
- Operating point-of-sale systems
- Processing basic cash transactions
- Maintaining hygiene
- Handling stock
- Following food-safety procedures
- Working in a team
- Communicating with customers and colleagues
The qualification is linked to CATHSSETA, the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority.
Financial Overview
- The programme offers a monthly stipend of R3 500.
- This amount is intended to support learners with basic participation costs such as transport, meals and other daily expenses.
- The stipend should not be treated as a permanent salary. Payment depends on attendance and successful participation in scheduled programme activities.
Estimated Financial Value
| Financial item | Amount |
| Monthly stipend | R3 500 |
| Estimated stipend over 12 months | R42 000 |
| Qualification cost to learner | Not stated |
| Permanent salary after completion | Not guaranteed |
The estimated annual amount assumes 12 full monthly payments. Actual payments will depend on programme attendance, duration and official learner agreement terms.
Before accepting a placement learners should confirm:
- Payment dates
- Attendance requirements
- Transport responsibilities
- Training schedule
- Workplace hours
- Assessment requirements
- Conditions that may affect stipend payments
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be unemployed
- Reside in Cape Town
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Have a Matric certificate or Grade 11 school report
- Be available to start on 1 September 2026
- Be willing to attend classroom and workplace training
- Submit all required documents online
- Be able to complete the full learnership programme
Previous work experience is not required.
Applicants may submit either:
- A certified Matric certificate or
- A certified Grade 11 school report
The document must be clear and certified within the required period.
This makes the programme accessible to young people who did not complete Matric but reached Grade 11.
Who Should Apply?
The programme may suit:
- First-time job seekers
- Unemployed youth
- Applicants interested in food preparation
- Candidates interested in hospitality
- Young people who enjoy customer service
- Applicants who want an accredited qualification
- Candidates comfortable working in a busy environment
- People willing to work shifts where required
- Applicants who can follow hygiene and safety procedures
Fast-food work can involve long periods of standing, busy service periods and direct interaction with customers.
Applicants should be prepared for a practical working environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- The exact workplace duties will depend on the host employer.
- Learners may assist with the following activities.
Food Preparation
Learners may:
- Prepare ingredients
- Follow recipes and preparation instructions
- Maintain correct portion sizes
- Handle food safely
- Monitor food temperatures
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Clean utensils and preparation surfaces
- Assist kitchen teams
- Prepare food for customer orders
Customer Service
Responsibilities may include:
- Greeting customers
- Taking customer orders
- Explaining menu options
- Responding to customer questions
- Handling complaints professionally
- Communicating clearly
- Delivering efficient service
- Maintaining a positive attitude
Cash and Point-of-Sale Support
Learners may gain exposure to:
- Operating tills
- Processing customer payments
- Handling cash
- Issuing receipts
- Recording transactions
- Following cash-control procedures
- Reporting till differences
Stock Handling
Workplace exposure may include:
- Receiving stock
- Checking deliveries
- Storing products correctly
- Rotating stock
- Reporting damaged items
- Monitoring stock levels
- Following expiry-date procedures
Cleaning and Hygiene
Learners may be responsible for:
- Cleaning food preparation areas
- Sanitising surfaces
- Washing utensils
- Removing waste
- Maintaining clean service counters
- Following food-safety standards
- Keeping uniforms and personal appearance professional
Health and Safety
Participants may learn to:
- Follow occupational health and safety procedures
- Report workplace hazards
- Use equipment safely
- Prevent slips and falls
- Follow emergency procedures
- Maintain food-service hygiene requirements
Skills Learners May Gain
Food-Service Skills
- Food preparation
- Portion control
- Hygiene management
- Food-safety procedures
- Kitchen support
- Product handling
- Cleaning and sanitation
Customer-Service Skills
- Order taking
- Complaint handling
- Communication
- Active listening
- Service delivery
- Professional conduct
- Customer-focused thinking
Financial Skills
- Cash handling
- Point-of-sale operation
- Transaction processing
- Till reconciliation awareness
- Basic sales recording
- Stock-loss awareness
Workplace Skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Punctuality
- Workplace discipline
- Problem-solving
- Following instructions
- Working under pressure
- Professional communication
Career Opportunities After Completion
The qualification and workplace experience may support applications for positions such as:
- Fast Food Assistant
- Restaurant Crew Member
- Cashier
- Food Preparation Assistant
- Kitchen Assistant
- Customer Service Assistant
- Counter Service Assistant
- Catering Assistant
- Restaurant Assistant
- Shift Team Member
- Takeaway Assistant
- Food-Service Worker
With experience participants may progress into roles such as:
- Senior Crew Member
- Shift Supervisor
- Team Leader
- Restaurant Supervisor
- Assistant Restaurant Manager
- Catering Supervisor
- Food-Service Manager
Employment after the programme is not guaranteed.
Financial Career Outlook
Food service is a major part of South Africa’s hospitality and retail economy.
Entry-level workers may gain experience that supports future employment in:
- Fast-food restaurants
- Takeaway outlets
- Hotels
- Catering companies
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Corporate kitchens
- Retail food counters
- Event venues
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate or
- Certified copy of Grade 11 school report
Certified documents must not be older than six months.
All uploaded files should be:
- Clear
- Complete
- Readable
- Correctly named
- Uploaded in the requested format
Application Tips
Keep the CV Simple
A one-page or two-page CV is suitable for a first-time applicant.
Include:
- Personal details
- Contact information
- Education
- Skills
- Volunteer experience
- School activities
- References
- Availability
Highlight Relevant Personal Skills
Applicants without work experience can mention:
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Communication
- Punctuality
- Customer service
- Ability to follow instructions
- Willingness to learn
- Ability to work under pressure
Use Current Contact Details
- Make sure the cellphone number and email address on the application are active.
- The training provider may use them to communicate assessment, interview or placement information.
Check Certification Dates
- The ID and school documents must be certified and should not be older than six months.
Select the Correct Options
During the online application select:
- Province: Western Cape
- Work area: Fast Food Services
- Application type: Learnership
Selecting the wrong province or programme may delay or affect the application.
Submit Early
Do not wait until the closing date.
Early submission gives applicants time to correct:
- Missing documents
- Upload errors
- Incorrect personal details
- Registration problems
- Poor-quality scans
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official African Global Skills Academy learner portal.
Applicants should:
1. Open the AGSA learner application portal.
2. Register an account or sign in.
3. Select “I would like to apply for a Learnership.”
4. Complete all personal information.
5. Select Western Cape.
6. Select Fast Food Services.
7. Upload an updated CV.
8. Upload the certified ID.
9. Upload the certified Matric certificate or Grade 11 report.
10. Review the information.
11. Submit before the deadline.
Applications will not be accepted by email or hand delivery.
NB: Applicants should never pay anyone to secure access to the learnership.
Best Before: 31 July 2026 The programme is expected to begin on 1 September 2026.
Applicants who are not contacted within two weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Important Application Checklist
Before submitting confirm that:
- You are between 18 and 28 years old
- You are unemployed
- You live in Cape Town
- Your CV is updated
- Your ID is certified
- Your Matric certificate or Grade 11 report is certified
- Your certified documents are not older than six months
- Your contact details are correct
- You selected Western Cape
- You selected Fast Food Services
- You submitted before 31 July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- Unemployed South African youth aged 18 to 28 who live in Cape Town.
Is Matric required?
- No. Applicants may submit a Matric certificate or a Grade 11 school report.
Is previous work experience required?
- No previous work experience is required.
What qualification will learners receive?
- Successful participants will work towards the National Certificate: Fast Food Services at NQF Level 3.
Which SETA is linked to the programme?
- The qualification is linked to CATHSSETA.
How much is the stipend?
- The advertised stipend is R3 500 per month.
Is the stipend guaranteed every month?
- Payment is subject to attendance and participation in required programme activities.
When will the programme begin?
- The expected starting date is 1 September 2026.
Where is the programme based?
- The programme is based in Cape Town, Western Cape.
How must applicants apply?
- Applications must be submitted online through the official AGSA learner portal.
Are email applications accepted?
- No. Applications must be completed through the online portal.
Does the learnership guarantee employment?
- No. Completion does not guarantee permanent employment.
When do applications close?
- Applications close on 31 July 2026.
Editorial Policy
Career27 publishes original career and education articles based on programme information released by training providers, employers and recognised recruitment platforms. Our content explains eligibility rules, programme benefits, application procedures and possible career pathways without guaranteeing selection, stipend payments or permanent employment.
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