Available courses

Occupational Certificate: Conference and Events Organiser

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Conference and Events Organiser. This occupational qualification will enable creative assistance and coordination of professional, feasible and innovative events. A qualifying learner will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the event industry and put that knowledge into practice in coordinating and executing quality small, medium and micro events to a level of professionalism expected by the client. The learner will contribute positively towards supporting the event industry as a part of Southern Africa's services sector.

 

A learner who has achieved this qualification will be capable of integrating a range of self-organisation and life-long learning skills within a context to produce a professional event that adheres to the high quality standards set by the South African tourism and hospitality industry.

In addition, expansion into other sub-sectors of tourism and hospitality is also possible by furthering their learning, practice and career within the events industry, either at further levels or in other areas of practice. A qualified learner will be able to:

·         Determine objectives and anticipate the exact needs of the client, advise on certain possibilities to obtain the clear and concise brief and ensure that the needs of the client are met as per given specifications.

·         Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship in relation to events management and coordination as a business venture.

·         Compile a budget and cost estimation to source quotations for related services.

·         Communicate effectively using appropriate methods to maintain effective customer relationships according to organisational standards and customer service of internal and external stakeholders.

·         Collect create and maintain a database of relevant data and contact information of preferred service providers from all key areas that support the event.

·         Apply basic knowledge of relevant legislative, governance, policies and procedures pertaining to the organisation to ensure compliance. Conduct site inspections to determine suitability for specified event according to applicable health and safety regulations and cancellation policies.

·         Plan, negotiate, organise, coordinate and control internal tasks and responsibilities according to set objectives and maintain records of event aspects including financial document.

·         Ensure that a particular event is fit for purpose, displaying a client-driven approach and sensitivity to different expectations and requirements of customers within a culturally diverse society.

·         Apply basic project management principles and practices to manage an event.

Occupational Certificate: Travel Professional

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Travel Professional. A Travel Professional sources, plans and processes travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services matched to clients' needs. A qualified learner will be able to:
• Analyse clients' needs, research, provide advice, and sell travel and tourism related products and services based on customers' needs.
• Organise and process travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services and issue relevant documentation. Rationale: The South African tourism industry, of which travel is a component, has been identified as a key priority economic sector and has shown sustained growth in recent years. Travel serves as a facilitator to open access to trade and other opportunities to organisations that do business with both
national and international organisations and this, in turn, creates opportunities for individuals in terms of both direct and indirect job opportunities and entrepreneurship. Organisations within the travel and tourism industry require highly skilled travel professionals who are able to render a high quality service that meets the ever changing customer needs. In an attempt to meet this demand; the currently registered qualification for a travel professional has been amended in order to address changes in technology, business practices, legislation etc.; to provide the knowledge and skills required for a travel professional to operate at the desired level. This qualification is intended for those wanting to pursue a career in the travel and tourism sector as travel processors, travel agents/consultants, ticketing/reservations agents and or travel professionals. Learners who successfully complete the qualification can operate in organisations providing travel related products and services to travellers and customers. Primary employment sectors include travel agencies, tour operators, car rental companies and airlines. Secondary employment sectors could include attraction and destination management and coordination (e.g. regional tourism organisations) organisations. Upon completion, learners will be able to analyse clients' needs, research, provide advice, and sell travel and tourism related products and services. They will also be able to organise and process travel and tourism arrangements and auxiliary services and issue relevant documentation. The qualification provides for the recognition of prior knowledge and skills, whether obtained formally or informally, to be recognised through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. The content of the qualification lays a sound foundation for learning and career progression that will enable the learner to enter higher level qualifications (e.g. Bachelor in Technology, select Degrees etc.), grow towards more senior/managerial positions within the travel industry or develop entrepreneurial skills. Benefits to learners who complete the qualification include greater access to employment opportunities within the formal travel sector, in addition to creating a foothold for independence by reducing dependency on the fiscus and actively contributing as an active citizen to the growth and sustainability of the South African economy.

Occupational Certificate: Tourist Information Officer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as Tourist Information Officer
This learner will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a visitor information centre in popular tourist destinations throughout South Africa. The learner will assist with matters such as booking accommodation, arranging local tours and recommending restaurants and popular entertainment activities as well as providing travel, hospitality and accommodation information to tourists, distribute the correct brochures and sell souvenirs and prepare displays for the centre.
They will be able to promote and develop local tourism, and assess tourist opportunities for local communities. This learner will have good organisational skills combined with computer and administrative skills to make online reservations and also use a CRS (Central Reservation System). The learner will also be able to research and advise clients on specific domestic travel requests in order to compile an itinerary according to a set budget.