South Africa’s youth face a harsh reality, with the country’s high youth unemployment rate making it difficult for many to participate in the economy. At X-Factored Youth, we recognize this pressing issue and are dedicated to finding meaningful solutions. Through our extensive network, we’ve identified several pathways that can open doors for young South Africans to earn an income and create better opportunities for themselves. Among these are three international avenues that offer promising work opportunities abroad, providing a chance to explore global careers. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top three agencies that can help South African youth find employment in Europe, giving them the tools they need to build a brighter future.
Europa Park is Europe’s answer to Gold Reef City, offering a diverse range of restaurants, star-rated accommodations, and entertainment. Young South Africans with a passion for hospitality have a unique opportunity to pursue vocational training (Ausbildung) at Europa Park in Rust, located near the French border in southern Germany. This experience allows them to gain valuable skills in one of Europe’s most renowned theme parks while immersing themselves in a vibrant, international environment.
Vocational Training Opportunities at Europa Park:
- Qualified specialist for gastronomy with a focus on system gastronomy (2 years)
- Qualified specialist for gastronomy with a focus on restaurant service (2 years)
- Qualified restauranteur (3 years)
- Qualified specialist for system gastronomy (3 years)
- Qualified specialist for hotel management (3 years)
- Qualified Chef (3 years)
The training schools for all the above-mentioned apprenticeships are the same. Lessons are always taught in blocks which vary between 2 and 4 weeks in duration.
- Apprenticeship Year 1 Vocational School Kehl
- Apprenticeship Year 2 & 3 Vocational School Villingen
The same remuneration applies to all apprenticeships:
- Year 1 – € 1 000
- Year 2 – € 1 050
- Year 3 – € 1 100
To apply for a 2 year training program, a minimum of Level B1 is required. However, to be properly engage with and pass the course, a level B2 command of the German language is necessary for both 2 – & 3 – year programmes.
Please find a brief content overview of the apprenticeship for qualified restaurant specialist and qualified catering specialist with a focus on restaurant service below:
- Selling service food and beverages in the restaurant
- Preparing food and beverages as well as plating in the kitchen
- Setting up, preparing and checking the restaurant
- Professional storing goods and stock level monitoring thereof
- Supporting restaurant sales
- Taking reservations.
The training programs for qualified specialists in system catering and qualified specialists in gastronomy, with a focus on system catering, share many similarities. However, they are specifically designed to address the unique requirements and practices of system catering.
- Preparing food according to the system-specific product range
- Preparing and serving of end produce
- Knowing and applying standardised, system-specific service steps
- Welcoming and attending to guests
- Setting up, preparing and checking the restaurant
South Africa German Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Southern Africa-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry currently offers the “Skilled Workers for Germany – Artisans” program, designed to address Germany’s skilled labor shortage. This initiative provides highly motivated South African artisans with the opportunity to undergo training and secure apprenticeships with leading German companies, helping to develop their skills while contributing to Germany’s workforce needs.
During this phase, candidates will receive essential industry-specific artisan training in their chosen qualification or skill set, along with intercultural and integration training. Additionally, they will participate in various planned activities designed to ensure a smooth relocation and successful integration into the program.
The SAGCC invites unemployed, German-speaking post-matriculants from Gauteng (with a minimum B1 proficiency) who are interested in relocating to Germany as part of this initiative to submit their professional CVs and certified copies of their credentials to Ms. Karabo Tshabalala at [email protected].
Highly motivated candidates with lower German proficiency (Minimum A1) and those who meet the required proficiency (B1) but have higher education qualifications are also encouraged to apply to this programme.
The program’s local training and planning will begin in April 2025 and conclude in December 2025, with relocation to Germany scheduled for January/February 2026.
Summary of Requirements:
- Must be unemployed and between the ages of 18 and 30
- Must be based in Gauteng, preferably Johannesburg
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Certified copy of Language Certificate
- Copy of CV
- Copy of Certified ID
- Certified copies of any other relevant credentials
Interested candidates and their partners can also contact the SAGCC office at (011 486 2775) and request to speak with Ms. Karabo Tshabalala for additional information.
Key points about the program:
- Target audience: Unemployed South Africans with post-matric qualifications, ideally based in Gauteng, who possess German language skills at a minimum B1 level and are interested in pursuing a career as a skilled artisan in Germany.
- Focus on vocational training: The program emphasizes practical skills development through training programs designed to meet German industry standards, potentially including local training in South Africa before relocation.
- Benefits for participants:
- Opportunity to work in Germany with potential for career advancement.
- Access to a structured pathway for immigration and work permits.
- Exposure to high-quality vocational training aligned with German standards.
- Role of the AHK Southern Africa: Facilitating the recruitment process, coordinating training programs, assisting with visa applications, and connecting potential candidates with German employers.
At X-Factored Youth, we take pride in creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable experiences, both locally and internationally. To further support their growth, we have launched our Career Guidance Program to help youth discover local and international opportunities while exploring a range of career options. For more information, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].