How to cruise into a career on a ship with the International Hotel School

Clarence Ford speaks to Matt Lambert, International Hotel School Managing Director.

Travelling on a cruise ship means that you can travel while earning good money.  

This idea might appeal to anyone looking for adventure... if that sounds appealing to you - here's how to make a career on a cruise ship happen with the International Hotel School. 

The International Hotel School is:

• The only Hospitality & Culinary school in Africa ranked in the top 50 Hospitality Universities in the world.
• The only tertiary institution in South Africa offering programmes recognised by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).
• The only Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH) Gold Centre in South Africa, 1 of 11 Gold Centres in the world recognised for high standards and quality academic performance.
• The only culinary school in South Africa to provide certification through the internationally renowned Culinary and Pastry Arts School, École Ducasse, voted Best Culinary School in the world.
• Proudly part of Sommet Education, World's Leader in Hospitality Management Education with three prestigious institutions: hospitality business schools Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, with the culinary and pastry arts school École Ducasse.

Lambert says this is a great choice especially as an entry level job because the pay is good.

"Your first initial contract lasts for six months and employees could earn between $1800 to $2000 a month which is about R36 000 a month (close to R215 000 over six months). Compared to entry level jobs in the South African market, I'd say it pays pretty well."

- Matt Lambert, MD of International Hotel School

You can end up making more money if you earn tips during your shifts, adds Lambert.

Experience is another reason to consider a career on sea...

From a guest service point of view, South Africans have a natural ability to make people feel welcome - this hospitality lends itself well to the industry. 

The experience you gain from the ability to travel is incredible and adds another dimension to your capabilities and your abilities to contribute to any employer, says Lambert.

How does it work:

The International Hotel School offers two core prpgrammes:

• Cruise Hospitality Servies Programme: you'll learn about procurement, cost control, storing and managing supplies.
• Cruise Culinary Services Programme - you'll cover trends and innovations within the cruise industry like learning how to feed 2800 people thrice a day - the course teaches you techniques and about technologies to do so while studying food sustainability and waste management.

After your first six-month initial contract, you'll have the opportunity to come back home for about two months.

If you do a good job aboard, your contract gets renewed and your ability to grow into supervisory roles in your career opens up.

Learn how to apply or find out more information here.

Or book for the institution's Open Day tomorrow, 24 August 2024.