One year, three graduate classes

Top performers: Thembeka Kubheka (joint 3rd place), Tshikani Shibambo (Top Student), Gallagher Managing Director Andrew Dunkley, Fernando Fontes, Training Programme Officer at Gallagher; Nomathemba Mhlongo (2nd place) and Khanyisile Moloi (joint 3rd place).

The graduating class was honoured at a ceremony on Friday, 7 March 2008. Among the students that claimed accolades were Patience Ngcwabe, Jonathan Cele and Piet Majatladi - who received special mentions for their hard work, loyalty and commitment.

Four learners received special congratulations for standing out amongst their peers: Khanyisile Moloi and Thembeka Khubheka were awarded joint 3rd place in a managers' vote for the top learner in both the academic and practical components of the course. Nomathemba Mhlongo was placed 2nd, with Tshikani Shibambo selected as the overall winner.

Promoting excellent service

All smiles, the March 2008 graduating class.

Developed in partnership with the School of Service Excellence, the Gallagher Learning Programme was implemented in March 2007, and this month saw the graduation of another 33 students; bringing the total number of qualified and certified students to date to more than 80.

The initiative forms part of Gallagher's strategy to develop a pool of in-house service personnel who will deliver the exceptional standards of service required by one of South Africa's foremost conference, event and exhibition destinations.

The sustainability of the programme is aided by giving in-house trained personnel priority for function bookings and thereby guaranteeing them a minimum number of working hours each month. Gallagher also offers incentives to staff members to improve and stay within the hospitality industry through an evaluation and promotion scheme whereby they become eligible for promotion and the accompanying salary increases every six months.

The four-month programme includes one month of theoretical in-classroom training, followed by three months of practical skills training including waitering, bartending and cashiering. The Estate provides the workplace environment in which learners implement theoretical and simulation training, gain practical experience at actual events, and receive mentoring from highly skilled and trained supervision staff. In addition to this opportunity for experiential training, Gallagher provides uniforms, meals and a travel allowance to assist learners with the completion of their practical training.

View the full photo gallery.