News

One of the most comprehensive and ambitious career platforms yet seen in South Africa – Talent Exchange – will connect job seekers in the culinary and hospitality sectors with hundreds of available positions both locally and globally.

Powered by the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) – which is recognised as Africa’s leading provider of private higher education and has both the renowned Capsicum Culinary Studio (CCS) and The IIE School of Hospitality and Service Management (IIEHSM) in its stable – the platform will allow unprecedented access to exclusive interview opportunities with local and international businesses thus giving their graduates and alumni significant advantages.

It will also help bridge the gap between education and industry with an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional job matching, while also offering soft skills training to enhance employability.

Driving this new initiative is Thulisile Mgidi, Customer Experience and Career Centre Manager at CCS and IIEHSM.

Says Mgidi: “In the 21 years since it was first established, CCS has produced more than 8000 alumni who are now working all over the world and who have established themselves as leaders within various fields. IIEHSM started four years ago but it already represents the embodiment of a new gold standard in industry-aligned service and hospitality-focused IIE qualifications, each underpinned by a strong commercial learning foundation. Graduates from both schools are already sought after and their opportunities are limitless.

“However, Talent Exchange takes this a step further and we really believe that there is a gap in the marketplace for this vehicle. We aim to help new graduates and seasoned professionals secure enviable career prospects by going beyond traditional job matching to offer a more holistic service. Our career building services will equip job seekers with the practical skills they need to find a role that suits their talents and training, so that their potential is turned into real life success.”

Talent Exchange is not a basic job placement service for those seeking opportunities in the culinary and hospitality industries, Mgidi clarifies.

“We act as a strategic partner in bridging the gap between education and industry. Our innovative approach goes beyond traditional job matching to actively cultivate opportunities. We can help applicants progress, no matter the stage their career is currently in.”

Apart from offering exclusive interview opportunities with local and international businesses, Trade Exchange offers a number of other services such as:

Helping develop real-world, hands-on skills with access to a range of cutting-edge employability workshops, industry-tailored skills development programmes and personalised mentorship opportunities.

Learning everything - from the ins and outs of working on a cruise ship to preparing a visa application.
Interested applicants can browse the range of short, actionable courses and mix and match them to their needs and requirements.

Businesses can advertise for staff for specific positions.

Trade Exchange’s website www.talentexchange.africa features a growing list of internships and short and long-term employment opportunities for every working preference. The service is open to all – job seekers can browse by location; starting in South Africa and moving to job listings in Africa, the Middle East & Asia, North America and Europe.

There’s also the facility to browse by industry sector which includes everything from airlines and cruise ships to hotels and restaurants.

Talent Exchange is a South African digital-first platform that offers an in-person presence around South Africa through its dedicated advisors. It also has a physical presence through its campuses and partners in the following locations:

• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Eastern Cape
• Western Cape

Website: Trade Exchange | Call: +27 86 111 2433