Franschhoek Hospitality Academy expands to Karoo through new partnership

The Franschhoek Hospitality Academy & Learning Centre (FHA) has announced a new partnership with the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) that will see the establishment of a hospitality training campus in Prince Albert.

The partnership formalises the creation of the Prince Albert Community Trust Hospitality Academy (PACTHA), which will operate using the same programme model that has contributed to FHA’s success in Franschhoek. 

Since its founding, FHA said it has graduated 587 students, with more than 3 500 indirect beneficiaries, and reports that 96% of its graduates have secured employment locally or internationally.

The academy’s programmes support the Stellenbosch Municipality’s goals by equipping historically disadvantaged and unemployed youth, as well as adult community members, with practical hospitality skills that improve employability in the tourism sector.

Through the partnership, FHA will provide its full curriculum and academic guidance, while also supporting student adjudication. PACTHA will oversee local programme delivery to ensure students in Prince Albert receive the same standard of training offered at the Franschhoek campus.

Ingrid Wolfaardt, founder of the Prince Albert Community Trust, said the partnership reflects the community’s commitment to sustainable skills development.

“PACT and the community of Prince Albert believe that partnering with best practice is the way forward to empower our local students with skills and opportunities that will be life-changing. Taking hands with FHA speaks to this vision of tangible transformation,” she said.

The pilot intake at the Prince Albert campus is scheduled for next month, with a small, carefully selected group of students.

The initiative forms part of a longer-term vision to strengthen local tourism economies and widen access to education across the Karoo and beyond.

FHA said it is proud to partner with an organisation that shares its commitment to education and community upliftment.

"We are building a broader footprint of hospitality excellence, empowering South Africa’s youth one region at a time."