Question 1: How is the price of training calculated?

Answer: There are four prices involved:

• Course Fees (Training fees)
• Accommodation Fees
• Meals
• Corporate dress

A quotation will be provided after you have attended an Open Day and decided to train at the Sondela Academy.

We are not a mass training institution so we work individually with each learner in terms of quotations and payments.

If you are staying in Bela Bela you will be responsible for your own accommodation, meals and transport.

Question 2: How many learners can you accommodate on the premises?

Answer: We accommodate twenty-two learners in the available accommodation.

Day students are allowed but they provide their own lodging and meals. They normally find accommodation in Bela Bela and arrange their own transport.

Question 3: What are the entrance requirements?

Answer: The main entrance requirement is a positive attitude towards learning in the workplace. The prospective learner needs to make a decision that he or she wants to work hard and study at the same time.

A matric pass is recommended, or any other studies that you have completed.

Question 4: How do you enrol?

Answer: We invite you, and those sponsoring the cost of your training, to attend one of our Open Days so that you can experience our training methods for yourself and see what you can expect.

If you decide that you want to be trained at Sondela, you can request a quotation which will be sent to you.

If you accept the quotation you pay a R2000 deposit which is non refundable to book your place and to order your corporate dress and cover preliminary expenses.

The further payment of fees must be arranged with the Academy registrar.

Question 5: When does the training start?

Answer: We start during the last week of January with an induction programme aimed at introducing students to their new environment. Actual training begins during the first week of February. In order to complete a full year of practical experience, training will end a year later at the end of January.

Question 6: Do the learners get paid during the year?

Answer: No - although learners are used in the workplace, they do not get paid as this forms part of their all-important workplace experience.

Question 7:How often can a learner go home?

Answer: The general rule is one weekend on and one weekend off. The Hospitality Industry requires long hours and resorts are busiest during holidays and weekends. It is therefore important that learners experience this during training so that they are under no illusion of the working hours that will be required of them.

We generally let the learners leave at 15:00 so that they can travel in daylight hours and they should return before dark on Sunday evenings.

Question 8: What clothes do the learners wear?

Answer: The learners wear the same as the Sondela staff. They get two sets of clothes as part of their quotation but they can order more when they enrol. The chef trainees get special kitchen clothes as part of their quotation.

Question 9: Do the learners get placements after completion of their initial training?

Answer: The best learners can get placements if there are posts available at Sondela. The learners are urged to develop their Blog spots so that that can supplement the learners CV. As the learner has workplace experience the chances of finding work are better than usual. The learners’ confidence is also better developed which will improve their chances of finding work. It is a known fact that it is easier to find work if you have workplace experience.

Question 10: Whom do you contact for a quotation or arranging to attend an open day visit?

Answer: You can contact Edith Snyman on - Tel: 014 736 8860, Fax: 014 736 8828, Email: academyops@sondela.com