E-Book Prospectus

Sondela Academy focuses on a vocational and occupational learning approach, as opposed to the conventional training model where students sit in a classroom to receive lectures, write a theory exam based on these lectures and do assignments. As workplace learning experts, we offer students the opportunity to gain real-life experience while obtaining their formal qualification.

Our method of work-integrated learning was developed in response to growing emphasis within the industry, for students to be prepared for the workforce by the time they graduate. At Sondela Academy, students are given the opportunity achieve this, by learning theory while gaining valuable practical experience in the workplace, and by working directly with workplace coaches and mentors. Our qualifications and curriculum, are directly linked with internal business policies and processes, and students are continuously assessed while completing daily activities. Briefly put, students complete their practical work under supervision, allowing them to put what they have learned into practice. Through this process, they acquire a better understanding of the industry, all while gaining their workplace experience – for which they receive a workplace reference letter at the end of their studies.

Sondela Academy’s key strength, is its strategy of a 70/30 training delivery ratio, which consists of 70% experiential learning (on-the-job experience and training) and 30% theory and practical instruction. Our processes are based on several phases of learning and enable students to identify and solve problems, communicate with others in a variety of environments, work in a team, gather and analyse information, think critically and analytically about tasks, plan, organize, lead, and control their working environment. The online student portfolio of evidence includes conceptual assignments, workbooks, examinations, and observation assessments that serve as ongoing assessments. Our online platform, Career Studies, which the student uses to capture data they have collected, supports the process of workplace learning.

In summary:

• Expect practical learning by actually working in a department, with coaching and supervision and/or without supervision (as may be required by the module).

• Expect to complete theory assignments, workbooks and logbooks after-hours.

• Do not expect lectures and classwork all day long!

Conservation Courses

• Nature Site Guide: 6 Weeks l 40 Credits l Level 2
• Captive Animal Caregiver: 8 Weeks l 46 Credits l Level 2
• FGASA Nature Site Guide: 10 Weeks l 40 Credits l Level 2
• Technical Studies (Handyman): 2 Weeks l 18 Credits l Level 2
• Field Ranger: 4 Weeks l 24 Credits l Level 2

Hospitality Courses

• Drink Service Assistant: 4 Weeks l 18 Credits l Level 2
• Food Service Assistant: 4 Weeks l 16 Credits l Level 2
• Hospitality Customer Service: 4 Weeks l 24 Credits l Level 2
• Room Attendant: 4 Weeks l 16 Credits l Level 2
• Table Attendant: 4 Weeks l 39 Credits l Level 2
• Hospitality Health and Safety: 2 Weeks
• Skills in Event Support: 4 Weeks l 15 Credits l Level 4

Culinary Courses

• Kitchen Hand: 8 Weeks l 52 Credits l Level 2
• Assistant Chef: 8 Weeks | 45 Credits | Level 2
• Skills in Food Preparation: 10 Weeks l City & Guilds Level 1

Introductory Courses

• Introduction to Resort and Lodge Management: 12 Months |

Conservation Courses

• Game Ranch Management Specialization: 12 Months l 144 Credits l Level 4
• Game Ranch Management Professional Development: 12 Months l 144 Cerdits l Level 5
• Captive Animal Management Specialization: 12 Months l 135 Credits l Level 4
• Captive Animal Management Professional Development: 12 Months l Level 4

Hospitality Courses

• Certificate in Event Support: 12 Months l 145 Credits l Level 4
• Diploma in Food and Beverage Management: 12 Months l 255 Credits l Level 5
• Diploma in Reception Management: 12 Months l 240 Credits l Level 6
• Diploma in Accommodation Management: 12 Months l 241 Credits l Level 5

Culinary Courses

• Certificate in Professional Cookery: 12 Months | 184 Credits | Level 4

Conservation Courses

• Professional Nature Site Guide: 18 Months | 40 Credits l Level 2
• Wild Animal Management: 18 Months | 135 Credits l Level 4
• Game Farm Management: 18 Months | 144 Credits l Level 4

Hospitality Courses

• International Diploma in Hospitality Events: 18 Months | 55 Credits | Highfield Level 3

Conservation Courses

• Game Ranch Management : 24 Months l 144 Credits l Level 4
• Captive Animal Management : 24 Months l 135 Credits l Level 4

Hospitality Courses

• Diploma in Events Management: 24 Months |

Conservation Courses

• Game Ranch Management Practitioner: 36 Months
• Captive Animal Management Practitioner : 36 Months

Hospitality Courses

• International Diploma in Hospitality Management: 36 Months

Culinary Courses

• Occupational Certificate in Culinary Arts

In order to ensure that Sondela Academy students are prepared for the demands of the workplace and their qualifications of choice, the following entry requirements have been introduced:

• Certified copy of ID (certification is required to be within 1 month of the course start date).
• Completed Grade 12, GED or international equivalent. A certified copy of the final results should be presented.
• Although not a prerequisite, we recommend Life Sciences (Biology) and Geography as Grade 12 subjects. Tourism and/or Hospitality services are also excellent subjects to have.
• Between the ages of 17 and 24.
• No criminal record.
• Proficiency in English as all classes, assignments, workbooks, exams, etc., are in English.
• Computer literacy.
• Must have a personal laptop (Windows 10 or 11, Microsoft Office Student Package or equivalent) and/or tablet with internet and email access, as the Portfolio of Evidence will be completed online.
• A declaration of special needs: Such as learning speed, dyslexia, or any condition that may influence studying, learning and working. If applicable, the student needs to submit a report to the Academy Board for consideration.
• A declaration of medical conditions: Including allergies, asthma, epilepsy, etc. Working conditions in the Tourism Industry require long working hours and good health and fitness are prerequisites for success. A report on serious cases must be submitted by parents for consideration by the Academy Board.
• A declaration of previous transgressions: Such as if a student was expelled from a previous training institution.
• A declaration of serious accidents in the past five years: Such as motor car accidents.