The Aleit Academy - December

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// December 2013 Welcome to The Aleit Academy South Africa’s leading specialised t ra ining p ro gra mme fo r t he ev en ts i nd us tr y

INDEX //

1

THE OPENING

SECOND EDITION – DECEMBER 2013

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THE STUDENTS 2ND & 3RD YEAR REFLECTION ON WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY

2 THE ALEIT GROUP YEAR END FUNCTION 1ST YEAR REFLECTION

4 GOODBYES 3RD Year Farewell 6 5

ACCREDITATION UPDATE

IN CLOSING TO END IT OFF

OPENING //

- Hans Roosenschoon Managing Director

Photographer : Johan Wilke

THE OPENING December 2013

The Aleit Group recently hosted their annual Year End function and used this opportunity to launch a new project we have been working on for years – the AMovie. As quoted from the Amovie: “Imagine what we could achieve if we believed anything was possible.” A prodigy whispered in the ear of the dreamer. This idea became the drive that defined the dreamer’s every step: the notion to always leave room in one’s heart for the unimaginable. This brought about an idea – a brilliant, crazy, delightful idea: ……To teach. To teach all who wanted to learn how to create the spectacular. In a way it meant they could write the future. Their heritage would be ever growing and the most precious legacy and skill imparted to a driven and ready generation. For throughout their inspiring climb to the top, the dreamer and engineer learnt the best thing they could ever do in any situation was to learn something. The only thing that never disappointed - in every season or circumstance, whether victories or hardships, whether tossing and turning in turmoil or jumping for joy in success, whether faced by adversity or honoured by kings – the best conclusion would always be to learn. They’ve learned the value of learning – that it is a treasure to be pursued, that it would never disappoint or be in vain…and that learning is something the mind cannot get enough of, be scared of, distrust or regret. The reason why they did this in the first place…this learning thing, was to bring about change, growth, to reach new, seemingly unreachable horizons. They’ve learnt. They all learnt…to trust, to leap and to fly. The thing is, they’re not sure who learnt the most, but they all changed for the better and by helping others write their story…they also wrote their own.” It is evident that The Aleit Academy has been a dream come true for us and we will be forever thankful for each and every student that crossed our path, for we do not only teach them, but they teach us something new every day. I wish you all a happy festive season, filled with family, friends, hope and love. May you have an incredible New Year. See you all in 2014!

Kind regards

CELEBRATIONS //

The Aleit Group Year End Function The 1st years got the opportunity to work together as a team to create the best year end function The Aleit Group has ever seen. Being part of a team allowed each one of them to brainstorm new and innovative ideas for the different categories. Students were split into groups covering specific event categories, namely: Sound, Lighting and Entertainment; Food, Beverages and Staffing; Hiring; Décor and Furniture and Stationery.

The décor and furniture group had to source most of this furniture from A Place. Their main tasks consisted of keeping in touch with Jacob Crafford-Burger, director of A-Place, to ensure the look and feel were up to Aleit standard.

Overall, The Aleit Group Year end was a raging success, and to be able to see all their hard work paying off at the end of the day was incredible. once again the 1st years proved that together as a class they The Sound, lighting and entertainment are able to pull off an unforgettable event. category was one of the most vital elements of the entire event, as we had an awesome A few quotes we received from the 1st Year line up consisting of Good Luck, 5fm’s DJ students to sum up their experience: Roger Goode as well as a Maties FM DJ whom entertained the guest throughout the “The Aleit Group Year end duration of the event. The hiring group was responsible for all the items that had to be outsourced to make sure the event is run ssmoothly and we had all that was needed on the night. The stationery team was in charge of organizing the signage for the bathrooms, bars, dance floor and medical station as well as organizing the UV paint and stamp for the evening. The responsibilities of the bar and staffing team consisted of requesting quotes from service providers for alcohol, bar structures, bar equipment and all staffing needs. Most importantly, this group also had to make sure that everyone had a drink!

function 2013 was one of the most spectacular events I have had the privilege of not only having a hand in coordinating but also attending and will definitely be an event I will remember for the rest of my life and look forward to attending once again in the years to come.” – Amy-Lee Harris “The Aleit Group Year end 2013 was the starting point of our careers, we got a glimpse of what we are working towards” – Amy Berrington

Photographer : FotoBros.

“It was so rewarding to see the outcome of ones ideas actually come to life.” – Paige Pledger “We knuckled down, worked hard together and made it our own, which in the end turned out to be a great success.” - Janine Gous “Organizing the Year end was the most hardworking, yet FUN event I ever worked on and attended. I’ve experienced so much!” – Sonique Beetge “The experience was exhilarating and made me proud to know that we are trusted with such a big responsibility, seeing the guests enjoying the event was priceless!” – Nicola Edley

CELEBRATIONS //

THE STUDENTS //

2ND & 3RD YEAR INTERN FEEDBACK Photographer : Inecke Photography

The 2nd and 3rd year Aleit Academy students have been out and about in the industry the past couple of months – completing their internships. Each student had the opportunity to choose where they want to do their placements and this is some of the feedback we received from them:

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Bianca Rijnsburger Course Content Specialist and Lecturer

Mariska Viljoen >> Jo-Ann Strauss - Assistant What was your highlight moment during this internship? Being part of the life of Jo-Ann Strauss was such an amazing experience for almost over a year now and I couldn’t have asked for a better “boss”. I did a few things that isn’t expected as the norm every day work life for example shooting on a construction site in the middle of Cape Town and heading up with helmets to the 12th floor in the little construction lift, not looking down. Or climbing Table Mountain or seeing very elaborate places that one can’t help but to dream about but the times that stood out for me during this internship was to see the effect that Jo-Ann had on others and the inspiration she gives. She gave a motivation speech to young kids and that moment when the children dream and believe in a better life for themselves, like hers, was my highlight.

All students photographed by Inecke Photography

What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Unfortunately I signed a confidentiality agreement, so I can’t share all the fun times Jo-Ann and I had, but my recent memorable one, was where it felt like we played parts in a movie. Jo-Ann had an appointment at 09:30 at the German Consulate to apply for a Visa. 08:50 I get to her house where she asks me to quickly certify the necessary documents and then meet her there. I drive off knowing a place close by that does it and believed that we will definitely have enough time to be on time. I get there just to be informed that the guy who does it is not there that morning. I rush to the post office and get in line with 3 people in front of me. I watch the clock with terrified eyes, remembering the fine print on the application form: “if you are not on time you will lose your meeting”. 09:25 I leave where I get to my car and pay the parking ticket. My luck, the parking attendant doesn’t have enough change. She runs to the nearest shop. I’m dying!!! Luckily the consulate is just around the corner. 09:32 I go up the lift, it opens and there Jo-Ann is standing and saying to the lady in the window, “my assistant is on the way with the papers”. Pheeew.

THE STUDENTS //

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Jana Nel

Vrede an Lust

What was your highlight moment during this internship? The moment that stands out most for me is that I get the opportunity to take care of the bride, something I never had the chance to do. When the bride gets ready we go into the manor house and ask her if there is anything she needs etcetera. We also tell her when it is time to walk down the isle. I am astonished to see how many relaxed brides have married here in the past few weeks that I have been interning at Vrede en Lust. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.� Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. We have cake every week, not because we buy it, but because there is always leftover cake after a wedding. When doing a site inspection and showing the Manor House to South African people they always ask about Semi Soet (the movie) and they will be very excited to find that the Manor House is actually the house the movie was filmed in. I have a feeling that someone will still hit his or her head against the old cellar entrance before my internship here is over, it is inevitable.

Monique Harris >> Seven Swans

What was your highlight moment during this internship? I love working with Anelle and Ella of Seven Swans Wedding Stationery and I definitely have a lot more than only one highlight moment here! I think my first one was on my second day at work when they introduced me as their new swan to someone. They really always make me feel welcome, needed and they love having the extra hands in the studio so I am always busy. I also think that I had the best day when Anelle gave me my very first wedding that I will be doing all the design work of, including the menu’s, order of service, nametags and canapé banners. (The couple coincidently was Monique and Roscoe!). I think that there are lot of small moments that add to that, like the day I made a new piece to hang in the studio (paper heart), when I taught them to fold origami swans which we will use in our packages in future and when I have to wrap beautiful stationary for the collection of the couples. I truly am having a fantastic time here at Seven Swans! What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “A lil’ pretty always makes our day!” and “Matching different colours, receiving lovely e-mails from clients and smiles make us happy.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Wow, we have had some good laughs and already have a lot of inside jokes! Each day Ella enjoys a new cat video that seems to always make her day. She has a scary amount of love for cats!

THE STUDENTS //

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Monique Bekker

The Expresso Show

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Being on set and working with the producers as well as the presenters. I also met Freshly Ground, Stars from 7de Laan, ISOband, Cindy Nel, Toya De Lazy, Danny K and many more, which was definitely the highlight during my internship. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “It’s all or nothing.” If you are not motivated and giving this internship everything you can, you will not make it! Getting up 4:30am in the morning has never been fun; it takes a lot of dedication. Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Bob and Bella – the two Expresso French Bull dogs, oh what fun these two are! They love eating their chicken and Bob loves farting! There were plenty of times Bob cleared out the room! There was also a time he farted on the show and the presenters all pulled faces. It was too funny! Then there was a time we had to go to Brad from Top Billing’s BIG FANCY house to collect props and then by accident I set off the alarm… It was scary but hilarious – trust Monique to do something like that.

Marli de Wet >> Nadine Aucamp Photography

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Nadine took me to ORMS Direct in Bellville to broaden my perspective on all camera equipment and information. This was an amazing experience where I met a lot of inspiring people in the photography industry. This was an outing that included cupcakes, hundreds of camera lenses and tools to admire and lovely, supportive people. This was a wonderful highlight during my internship with Nadine. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” - Ansel Adams Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Enjoying and mimicking people’s dance moves at the wedding reception and while we edit the photographs, having tea and homemade farm rusks in the morning, for lunch and as an afternoon snack :)

THE STUDENTS //

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Nerine Lourens Qatar Happening

What was your highlight moment during this internship? There have been a few but the top two were organizing and attending a press conference for the Qatar Choice Awards, and meeting all the hoteliers involved. Another highlight was receiving my own business cards and media pass to attend various events. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “We learn from failure not from success.” – John Keats Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. I almost sent out an invitation for a press conference with the date being wrong and a year ahead.

Melissa Tratschler >> Blooming Wonderful Décor Hire, Somerset

What was your highlight moment during this internship? When clients come in and love the table setting or stationery you have done and when Stacey said that I have an eye for flowers. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”
Sam Ewing Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. The office seems to be quite normal, there are only five of us here most days and everyone is very friendly and is willing to teach and help out.

THE STUDENTS //

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Kathleen Stein

Elephantshoe Stationery

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Every day had a highlight while working at Elephantshoe but I would say a great standout moment was when I got to help conceptualize a DIY project to be featured on The Pretty Blog. I also got given a great opportunity to conceptualize a Christmas catalogue for Elephantshoe’s online shoppe. It was so nice to know that Sam and James appreciated and trusted my ideas and opinions. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” – Charles Mingus Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Oh goodness, there are quite a few! We had many laughs in the office. Our cups of tea could never be left unattended otherwise Mushroom, the adorable Elephantshoe office cat, would stick her paw in it and drink it! We had allocated Christmas-themed days where we would drink tea out of Christmas cups and listen to Christmas carols in the afternoon ☺ Sam and I had a good laugh when we were out in the Elephantshoe van (the “Parchment Express”) and trying to take off on steep hill-starts!

Riane Smit >> Events 24

What was your highlight moment during this internship? The highlight during this internship was definitely to just be part of the Huisgenoot Namaquafees team. This is an event I attended as a guest the past 5 years and now got the chance to be part of the planning and managing. I was in charge of the VIP tent, thus I got the opportunity to meet all the artists and I got a Fiesta interview on the Saturday night - the episode will be on the television in February 2014. It was a great privilege to be part of an amazing team and to make a huge success of this festival. Of course I gladly accepted their kind offer to be part of their team at the KKNK in April 2014 again! What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “I had the time of my life being part of the Events24 team while planning and managing the Huisgenoot Namaquafees!” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. On the Saturday afternoon of the festival – I got called to the VIP tent for a crisis and we drove around the site with golf cars but in front of the festival office, Vredendal Toyota parked a brand new Hilux double cab bakkie for display purposes, and I was in such a hurry to get to the VIP tent, that I was super close to reversing into one of these bakkies on my way out - that was the last time that I drove them for the rest of the weekend.

THE STUDENTS //

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Liza Geldenhuys

Aloe Ridge Accommodation (Felix Unite River Adventures Swellendam)

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Most of this internship was a highlight. Every second of it was enjoyable and memorable. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Where to start... Working on a farm is way different than operating from an office. Some of my biggest bloopers include getting stuck in a muddy dip with a 4x4 which according to the guys on the farm can only be done by a blond, serving BLACK LABEL BEER to some very important looking business men rather than BLACK LABEL WHISKY, falling asleep in the sun on an off day without any sunscreen to get a head start on my summer tan… let’s just say that it was impossible to move for a couple of days.

Nanette Pienaar >> Wedding Concepts

What was your highlight moment during this internship? I really enjoyed the first wedding that I worked at for Wedding Concepts – it was a very different and exciting experience as it was pouring with rain. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? The quote that I would use to summarize the experience best would be “Expect the unexpected” – there are so many factors that are out of your control as a wedding coordinator and you really need to be able to handle and solve any and every problem quickly! Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. None yet ☺

THE STUDENTS //

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Nicola Carstens Polkadot Wedding and Design

What was your highlight moment during this internship? While interning with Polkadot I gained a lot of experience and I had quite a few special moments. If I have to highlight one of my moments with the team it would be the day I had to co-ordinate a wedding on my own, not only because they really believe in me, but also because I have received a lot of compliments. I had a lot of fun and the memories I made will stay with me forever. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Nothing ever becomes real ‘til it is experienced.” - John Keats “We learn from failure, not from success!” - Bram Stoker, Dracula “Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” – Paulo Couelho, Brida Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Our boss doesn’t only create structure she creates movement too! (inside joke)

Michelle Steyn >>

Events & Promotions Intern at Associated Media Publishing, working mostly under the House & Leisure Magazine title. What was your highlight moment during this internship?

I’ve had a few highlights during my placement at House & Leisure. The proudest moment was surely having the events I have been working on featured in the magazine and being able to be on TV. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? The quote that really summarizes my experience at House & Leisure is “don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do.” Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. Hard work pays off! Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. There is never a dull moment at the office and laughing has become part of our daily routine, the most recent has been adopting the “30 day squat challenge’ by Quanita Rinquest, our Ad Controller. Everyday before lunch we have to do a certain amount of squats. This keeps us motivated by doing it together and with laughing so much by doing it together; we are getting some good ab exercises as well.

THE STUDENTS //

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Nadia Coetzee

Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre

What was your highlight moment during this internship? One of the best moments during my internship there was when I worked with one of the Coordinators on a wedding and everything was set-up and ready outside the venue at the pool area, but the wonderful Eastern Cape wind picked up and had other plans… We had to, in less than an hour, move the whole ceremony into one of the Conference rooms downstairs. Luckily we got it right and the wedding was a great success! What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Don’t let the nice weather fool you, just wait” this is a typical Eastern Cape experience. Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. One of the most embarrassing moments in my internship had to be when I was working in the reception and I had to answer the phones. I was very happy and all excited for the day ahead, the phone rang and I answered with a very confident “ Hallo, dis Nadia wat praat,” just after saying that I realized, this is firstly, not my private phone and secondly, this person doesn’t speak Afrikaans. I was so embarrassed and apologized (a lot).

Storm Kenmuir

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Rolling Stone Magazine SA

What was your highlight moment during this internship? So many highlights hey! I got to meet Farrel Purkiss, got to work at Cuervolution street party in Harrington St with ‘The Subways’. Also worked at Synergy Live Music Festival at the Rolling Stone rock room. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? Rock ‘n Roll Baby! Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Can’t think of anything hey…

THE STUDENTS //

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Lario Mostert Lanzerac Hotel

What was your highlight moment during this internship? My highlight moment during my Lanzerac internship was definitely the friendly staff and the Steinhoff event we did in the Castle in Cape Town. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? The quote that summarize my experience is: “Nothing is impossible...The word itself says: I’m Possible.” – Audrey Hepburn and “Don’t be afraid of taking chances, If you win you will be happy and if you lose you will learn something new.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. I fell with a plate of cupcakes in my hand. It was just cupcakes everywhere!

Victoria Clegg >> Aleit Event Projects What was your highlight moment during this internship? I loved the CIB ELT Dinner hosted at The Venue Green Park. The theme was “Think Differently”, which in essence gave me such creative freedom to do whatever I wanted to! Usually at corporate events you have to be subtle, and somewhat elegant in your design and styling of the event. This time, however, I used paper as the running theme, with a Gatsby-inspired undertone. Mismatched black and gold chairs (my FAVOURITE colour combination) lined the banquet tables that were dressed in black, gold and silver paper flowers, a long paper runner and paper under plates. Amber water glasses completed the look and while the sun set over the Sandton skyline, the whole top floor of the magnificent building shimmered as all the glassware on the table caught and reflected the beautiful sunrays – it was absolutely magical. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Good things come to those who wait work their butts off!” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Well this happened last year while interning with Cheri van Staden, and to this day it still sticks out as one of the blondest things I have ever said… One day Cheri and I were working quite late, going over budgets and trying to see where we could cut certain line items in order to have more money elsewhere. “Martin Light Jockey” caught my eye. Who is Martin I thought, and WHY do we need HIM? Disk jockeys (DJs) are important, yes, but light jockeys? What a pointless waste! I immediately proclaimed to Cheri that it is simply a waste of money to have Martin stand at the event moving the lights around to the timing of the music. Little did I know that Martin Light Jockey is merely the name of the brand and Cheri immediately burst into a fit of giggles and squeals. Needless to say Martin Light Jockey remained on the budget and still does to this day.

THE STUDENTS //

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Chelsea Evans

Event and Marketing, Korevest Leisure Management Group (KLMG)

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Highlights for me are, attending different investors meetings and gaining insight of different companies and their portfolios and business insights. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” Winston Churchill Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Coffee, Coffee and more COFFEE! We live off it ☺ ‘’Oppakay’’ (Upper-K) - A common saying used by directors when doing well or happy about a new venture. The direct translation is ‘’F*#k Yeah’’ - used to express great success and/or happiness.

Katja Laborn >> Just Jack

What was your highlight moment during this internship? The highlight of my internship was being able to be part of arranging and executing the décor and food shoot for the Wedding Album with Leana in Cape Town which will be covered in the November edition ☺ What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “The roughest roads often lead to the top.” ― Christina Aguilera Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. One of your office traditions is that the intern makes coffee or tea in the morning especially when it is a cold day. They absolutely love plunger coffee! P.S Next intern, prepare yourself to make amazing plunger coffee and practice at home… ☺

THE STUDENTS //

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Rouxnette Roberts JCP Steel Supplies Event & Corporate internship

What was your highlight moment during this internship? My highlight was definitely to get the opportunity to do my first event on my own. It has been a lot of pressure, but yet so rewarding. The best part of planning this event was that I was told, “the sky is the limit, except with regards to the budget”. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” - Sam Walton Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. Traditions – one should never leave any beverage on their desk while not there, someone will tamper with it. Bloopers – a debtor sat in the waiting room while the JCP staff unknowingly discussed (very loudly) his very overdue debt with one another. OOPS. Sayings between the staff: “Gee my jou brood of ek skop jou dood!” - as a result of that, staff started packing enough lunch for two everyday…call it selfdefense.

Leoni Magdel Kotze >> Mint Productions

What was your highlight moment during this internship? My highlight of this internship has to be working on the Kiehl’s launch which was hosted at Truth Coffee. Kiehl’s partnered up with Harley Davidson for the event and in the build up to the event they had a 2-day ride doing charity all over the Western Cape. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? This quote from Donald Trump is most fitting, as we all need to spread our wings and create our own career soon. “Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Don’t just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won’t happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you’ll love it up here.” – Donald Trump Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. The Mint Productions office tradition is to all have lunch together. We make salads every day and have our own special yummy dressing for lunch.

THE STUDENTS //

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Katherine Merrick Laurent

What was your highlight moment during this internship? For me there was not one specific highlight moment but rather many… I am always excited to be part of each and every event, especially events different from the usual wedding and corporate event – through this, so much more is learnt! Overall, the highlight moment for me is when the team receives a “thank you” or positive feedback from clients and guests, all the hard work is then worth all the effort. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Always be willing to go the extra mile and take every opportunity that is presented to you.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. One of our funny blooper moments consisted of Meagan writing an email to a prospective client, “Jeranda”, but unfortunately “spellcheck” changed her name to “Veranda”. Thankfully the client was really understanding of the situation!

Marlene de Villiers >> Brenaissance Wine and Stud Estate

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Highlight moment for my internship most probably was the time spent in Café Blanc de Noir, with the Café manager Adam and Wine sale man Toby. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? During busy time at the Café, Adam had a stupid saying for everything we do, even when we had questions he only replied with the following words: “ORGANIZE and STAY FOCUSED.” Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. We had no office jokes but we definitely had fun, especially from 3 o’clock onwards when everyone in the Café got tired and weird things started happening, people dancing singing and losing their selves because they are so tired. Liza 2nd year student at The Aleit Academy, introduced Herbal life tea to the management team and well that tea changed the vibe totally, from dead to crazy.

THE STUDENTS //

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Nicolette Basson Amazing Spaces

What was your highlight moment during this internship? My highlight moment was definitely when I received a job offer with Amazing Spaces. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “Hard work pays off.� Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. We always have cake on birthdays.

Hanje Niehaus >> Madworld

What was your highlight moment during this internship? Definitely the events and worked at a wide variety of festivals, which are very well known in South Africa. What quote would summarize the experience you had best? “We are all MAD here.” ☺ Share some of your office jokes / bloopers / quirky office traditions with us. You need to be MAD to fit in, energetic, creative & loud.

GOODBYES //

3RD Year Farewell Each year The Aleit Academy hosts the bittersweet event known as Graduation. Each graduation ceremony is filled with so many emotions, tears, smiles, laughs and final farewells to those who have been in our professional working space for the past couple of years – some of them creeping into your personal space as they become more than just a student or colleague, but a friend with so many fresh insights and different ways of looking at the world. This year we say goodbye to a group of students so very close to our hearts. Starting off their studies in Janaury 2011 at The Aleit Academy, they were determined to be the next Aleit Swanepoel, Founder and Owner of The Aleit Group! Slowly, but surely the industry and working life, in general, was introduced to them. Today, looking back and remembering each achievement and proud moment of each individual student, we have no other way of describing how we feel, but to say they have blown us away. Class of 2013, we bid you a farewell and are proud to send you into the industry with the Aleit tag stiched deeply into your being and soul as you share your wisdom and experience with the rest of the world. We are so proud to have been a part of your lives, education and putting the final touches to your industry knowledge. Well done to each and every one of you! We look forward to seeing you at the graduation ceremony of 2014!

Photographer : Inecke Photography

ACCREDITATION UPDATE //

Photographer : Johan Wilke

Accreditation Update As you are aware, The Aleit Academy has been pursuing accreditation for a new Event Coordination Diploma, SAQA ID 20613, NQF Level 5. A summary of the process up to date is as follows: Phase 1 is the expression of interest to be accredited by CATHSSETA (completed).

We have received our feedback from CATHSSETA on our material and documentation submitted and are pleased to announce that The Aleit Academy has received FULL APPROVAL on the material that has been submitted.

Phase 2 consists of the institutional application and initial review of course material by CATHSSETA (completed).

Approval has been received to set up the final site visit with them, which now moves us into the 4th and final stage. We have already experienced many site visits from them till now, and consider this a mere formality.

Phase 3 is the final evaluation of training delivery and approval of The Aleit Academy as accredited training provider (completed).

We trust you are all as excited as we are! We will communicate the date of the site visit as soon as received.

Phase 4 is the site visit and final registration of the Aleit Academy as accredited training provider with the Department of Education (in progress).

THE CLOSING //

Photographer : Inecke Photography

TO END IT OFF “Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle all the waaaay!!” I cannot believe my ears – it’s Christmas time already?! This year has flown by in a flurry of events, lectures, socials, practical’s, blood, sweat and tears! We sit in this very familiar time of the year where once again I think back to the beginning of the year… We welcome fresh faced 1st years into the fold – all bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for the adventure that was The Aleit Academy. Wow – what a bunch they are, proud is an understatement as I see the incredible coordinators they are becoming having organised The Aleit Group Year End event in quiet comfort showing skill and ease. The 2nd years couldn’t believe they were finally not 1st years and took the world by storm! What a fantastic group of very clear individuals – I thoroughly enjoyed our lectures which quite often turned into interesting debates, opinions are high in this intelligent group. They have made quite an impact in the industry already with their first few placements done and dusted. I wait with anticipation ( along with a few other key members of the trade) and baited breath to see what they are capable of during their 3rd year specialisations… And then there are my very special 3rd years. What an amazing group of young women! It was incredible to get them back into lectures in the middle of the year and see for myself how they had grown comfortable in their own skins. To hear that we have an almost 100% employment rate in this group does not surprise me at all – they are all incredibly skilled and would add value to any business they choose to work with. The Aleit Academy has become a force to be reckoned with thanks to the more than competent students within our walls. We are excited to welcome our next set of 1st years towards the end of January and begin a new all too familiar journey with them. On a personal note, my family was blessed with a beautiful little girl, Hunter, in August who has been spoilt with all the love and attention possible from all the students – a heartfelt thank you from the three of us! Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas and New Year, see you in 2014!

Kind regards - Cheri van Staden Co-Principal

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