CHS was the start of my future

Studying and working alongside diligent and brilliant people gave me the courage and knowledge to succeed in my career today.

I was taught very valuable life lessons and made many mistakes, but it was truly the best learning experience.

I had many highlights during my two years of studying and found my true passion; I want to pursue my dream of becoming a Sommelier.

What impacted me the most was the WSET wine course that I did and the extensive knowledge I gained from working on the Blue Train.

I will forever be grateful for all the opportunities I was given at CHS. It made me want to learn more about the diversity of this industry and it has motivated me to work harder for what I want in life.

I am currently employed as a Guest House Manager at the 4-star Lavenders at Constantia Guest House.

My most valuable learning experience at CHS was not just about the academics, but the life-lessons on respect, social skills, empathy and realising your own worth and potential.

I learned that doing your best is far more important than just your academic capabilities.

I am where I am today because of the lecturers that stood by me, believed in me and prepared me for the journey that I am currently undertaking.

It was two years of hard work but it was all worth it.

I was fortunate enough to do my practicals on the Blue Train which led to my current position as a Butler on the Blue Train, under Transnet, a fine dining and 24hr butler service.

Meeting different kinds of people and learning languages from different cultures and countries is an ever-growing highlight of my career. Hospitality has taught me about prioritizing, problem solving, communication and humanity and how to keep smiling, despite the challenges one may face

CHS is where it all started.

I always had a love for hospitality but at CHS, I found my true passion for this industry.

I had the privilege of being taught by some of the best people in the industry.

I had the most amazing lectures who helped me open up my mind to new possibilities and showed me what the industry was really about.

We had a lot of late nights and early mornings but I did it with a smile. The two years I spent at CHS was two of the best years of my life.

I am currently employed as the Restaurant Manager at Forti Grill and Bar and I am loving every moment of it.

I can truly say that hard work and dedication pays off. Always challenge yourself to be the best you can be.

"A dream doesn't become a reality through magic; it takes sweat determination and hard work - Colin Powell

Studying at CHS was an incredible journey with lots of highlights and lowlights.

From assignment deadlines, re-writing failed exams, fulfilling external practical responsibilities to having a part time job as a train hostess at Rovos Rail. It was a lot to take in but the overall experience changed my life.

I’m thankful for the activities we used in class; it helped me with public speaking and boosting my confidence. I was taught independence, responsibility, time management and how to handle and work under pressure. I’m now commended for my professionalism.

I’m grateful for the experience as it’s equipped me with the knowledge and skills as current Kitchen/Restaurant Manager for Grounded at Echo and Private Chef and Cooking instructor at MealswithMasego, my own personal brand.

My journey as a chef began at CHS.

Through hard work, long hours and early mornings, I was taught to be the person that I am today.

My confidence grew tremendously during practicals. CHS offered great practical experience within the work place, and their skilled Chef Lecturers really prepared me for the real world.

I also had the privilege of making lifelong friends whilst at CHS.

I graduated in January 2017 with Cum Laude, and began working as Head Chef at a 5-Star restaurant in Pretoria for 2 years. Thereafter, I travelled through Europe and Thailand for 2 months.

For 2 years, CHS was my home. I got a whole new level of understanding about my future career. It was filled with great experiences. From working in different industrial kitchens, to meeting new people all whilst having fun. It was all worth it.

I was fortunate enough to get a Commis Chef position at The Grand Westin Hotel, a five-star hotel in the Western Cape.

This can honestly not be considered an easy nor a difficult industry. To succeed you just need to have love and passion and remember to have fun whilst working hard.

I studied culinary arts at the prestigious Capital Hotel School (CHS) and training Academy. I am forever grateful to CHS for the time, knowledge, and networking opportunities that they imparted on me during the years I was there. They equipped me with the necessary life skills to survive in the workplace and society and training at CHS opened many doors for me. I left the school, a good communicator with unique culinary skills and was destined for greatness.

CHS not only taught me how to be a master of my craft in the kitchen, but they also taught me how to source quality ingredients, manage my costs well, market myself as a brand and most importantly, through management classes, taught me how to host a crowd.

The elegant campus was an inspiring environment that paved way to great ideas. Instantly, I knew the kind of environment I would want to work in one day and have never looked back since. I was privileged to have made a lot of friends that have now become family.

Learning at CHS means embracing different ethnic groups of people as the school welcomes everyone. This experience prepared me to work in world class multicultural environments. I find it easy to interact with anyone in the world whether it’s a prospective client or workmate.

To the youth of South Africa, as Dr Stephen R. Covey said, “Begin with the end in mind”. Anything is possible. Have a vision, don’t be afraid to dream and work hard towards accomplishing that dream. Make smart choices and travel.