McDonald’s to Michelin Stars: CATHSSETA CEO on SA’s Culinary Talent Pipeline
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Rwaldo Lottering went from unemployed to overseas chef in 3 years—thanks to CATHSSETA’s revolutionary training model. On this Social Impact Show episode, Marks Thibela breaks down:
🔪 Why this works:
Earn-while-you-learn: Stipends + work placements at top hotels/restaurants.
Internationally recognized NQF Level 5 trade test (key for global jobs).
Women & disabled inclusion: 40% of grads are female; adaptive kitchens for wheelchair users.
🍔 McDonald’s magic:
1,400 youth trained at Hamburger University (yes, it’s real).
80% hired—with stories like “I went from fry cook to area manager in 5 years.”
🌍 What’s next:
Phase 2 launching July 2024 (apply via JobJack.co.za).
SABC documentary following grads in Qatar/Japan (coming August).
💡 “This isn’t charity—it’s smart economics.” — Marks Thibela
🔪 Why this works:
Earn-while-you-learn: Stipends + work placements at top hotels/restaurants.
Internationally recognized NQF Level 5 trade test (key for global jobs).
Women & disabled inclusion: 40% of grads are female; adaptive kitchens for wheelchair users.
🍔 McDonald’s magic:
1,400 youth trained at Hamburger University (yes, it’s real).
80% hired—with stories like “I went from fry cook to area manager in 5 years.”
🌍 What’s next:
Phase 2 launching July 2024 (apply via JobJack.co.za).
SABC documentary following grads in Qatar/Japan (coming August).
💡 “This isn’t charity—it’s smart economics.” — Marks Thibela