Sci-Bono & GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme for Youth 2026 (X150 Beneficiaries)
- Digital skills continue to be among the most sought-after skills in South Africa’s job market. Employers increasingly require candidates who can use technology confidently, analyse data, communicate professionally, and work effectively in modern digital environments.
- To help address youth unemployment and bridge the digital skills gap, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre have partnered to offer the Digital Skills Development Programme for Youth 2026.
- This initiative is aimed at unemployed young people who are looking to improve their employability, strengthen their technology skills, and position themselves for future employment opportunities.
- The programme includes several learning pathways designed to support young people at different educational levels, ranging from employability training to specialised digital and networking programmes.
- With only 50 spaces available per course, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Quick Overview
- Opportunity: Digital Skills Development Programme for Youth 2026
Programme Partners:
- Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD)
- Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Application Period:
- Opens: 28 May 2026
- Closes: 5 June 2026
Cost: Free applications
- Location Requirement: Must be a resident of the City of Johannesburg
- Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
- Target Group: Unemployed and underserved youth
Available Programmes:
- Foundational Employability Skills Programme
- Microsoft Office Specialist & Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme
- Networking Specialist Programme
Available Spaces: 50 spaces per course
Selection Basis: First come, first served
About the Digital Skills Development Programme
- The Digital Skills Development Programme is designed to provide practical, industry-relevant training that can help unemployed youth become more competitive in today’s labour market.
The programme focuses on areas that are increasingly important across industries, including:
- Digital literacy
- Workplace readiness
- Data analytics
- Microsoft Office applications
- Networking technologies
- Information technology fundamentals
- Professional communication skills
By participating in these programmes, young people can gain knowledge that may support future opportunities in:
- Administration
- Customer service
- Information technology
- Data capturing
- Data analytics
- Technical support
- Networking support
- Office management
- Entry-level corporate positions
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to improve youth employability and digital inclusion across Gauteng.
Programme 1:
Foundational Employability Skills Programme
Who Can Apply?
This programme targets: Out-of-school youth
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have: Grade 10 with English
Why This Programme is Important
Many young people struggle to enter the workforce because they lack workplace readiness skills.
The Foundational Employability Skills Programme helps participants develop important competencies such as:
- Professional communication
- Workplace behaviour
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Job search skills
- Interview preparation
These are often the skills employers expect candidates to have before entering the workplace.
For young people who have not completed Grade 12, this programme may provide a valuable stepping stone toward future training and employment opportunities.
Programme 2:
Microsoft Office Specialist and Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme
Who Can Apply?
This programme targets: Unemployed youth
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English (minimum 40%)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40%)
Skills Participants May Develop
Participants may gain exposure to:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data handling
- Data interpretation
- Reporting skills
- Digital productivity tools
Why Data Skills Are Important
Data has become a critical part of decision-making across almost every industry.
Companies increasingly rely on employees who can:
- Collect information
- Organise data
- Analyse trends
- Create reports
- Support business decisions
This makes data analytics one of the most valuable entry-level skills in today’s economy.
Young people interested in administration, finance, customer service, research, or technology careers may find this programme particularly beneficial.
Programme 3:
Networking Specialist Programme
Who Can Apply?
This programme targets: Unemployed youth
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English (minimum 40%)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (minimum 40%)
- Interest in Information Technology
Why Networking Skills Are Valuable
Computer networks form the backbone of modern organisations.
From schools and government departments to banks and multinational companies, networks enable communication and data sharing.
Networking professionals help ensure that systems operate efficiently and securely.
Potential career pathways related to networking include:
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Help Desk Support
- Systems Support Assistant
- Network Administrator Trainee
For young people interested in technology careers, this programme could serve as an important starting point.
Why Digital Skills Are Becoming Essential in South Africa
- South Africa continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges.
- At the same time, employers increasingly seek candidates with digital capabilities.
Even entry-level positions now frequently require:
- Computer literacy
- Email communication skills
- Online collaboration tools
- Basic data management
- Digital problem-solving abilities
Young people who invest in digital skills often improve their chances of accessing:
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Entry-level employment
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Further training programmes
This is why initiatives such as the Digital Skills Development Programme play an important role in preparing youth for the future economy.
General Requirements for All Applicants
To be considered for the Digital Skills Development Programme, applicants must:
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be a South African citizen
- Be a resident of the City of Johannesburg
- Meet the minimum academic requirements for the selected programme
Priority is intended for underserved and unemployed youth.
