Twelve students from the Capsicum Culinary Studio – South Africa’s largest culinary school with six campuses across the country – have been selected to embark on a five-month placement opportunity at three leading five-star hotels in Mauritius.

The students are from the school’s Pretoria and Rosebank campuses. The placement opportunity forms part of the school’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme, which is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in real-world industry settings.

The group left for the Indian Ocean island last week.

Six students have been assigned to the JW Marriott Hotel, four to the LUX Belle Mare Hotel and two will work at the Constance Prince Maurice Hotel.

“The allocation of students is based on various factors, including the requirements and capacity of each hotel and the specific learning opportunities available at each location. By providing a diverse range of placements, we aim to ensure that our students gain exposure to different work environments and experiences during their time on the island,” said Sifiso Chiloane, Capsicum’s Academic Training Co-ordinator.

For the specific WIL programme in Mauritius, the school selected third-year students who have demonstrated “exceptional skills and commitment throughout their studies”.  

In addition to academic performance, the school also considered factors such as attendance, punctuality, teamwork and a strong work ethic.

The students also underwent interviews conducted by the hotels' HR managers and executive chefs, which allowed the hotels to assess the students' technical skills, professionalism and their ability to adapt to new environments.

During the five-month period, the students will work in various sections of the hotels' culinary departments, including the hot kitchen, cold section and pastry.

“Throughout this time, the students will work under the guidance and supervision of experienced chefs and mentors who will provide them with valuable feedback and support,” said Chiloane.

Chiloane added that the benefits of the programme were numerous. “Firstly, it bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to gain practical skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers. It also helps students develop a professional network and industry contacts, enhancing their future career prospects. Additionally, the programme promotes personal and professional growth, as students learn to adapt to actual challenges and work collaboratively with industry professionals.”