A free digital skills opportunity is now open for unemployed youth who want practical training that could improve their chances of entering the workplace. Sci-Bono and the Gauteng Department of Social Development are offering 150 spaces across three training pathways — but applications close on 5 June 2026.
The Sci-Bono & GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme for Youth 2026 is aimed at unemployed young people between 18 and 35 years old who live in the City of Johannesburg and want to build stronger digital, workplace, data, and technology skills.
With only 50 spaces available per course, interested applicants should move quickly.
What Is the Sci-Bono & GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme?
The Digital Skills Development Programme is a free training initiative delivered through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
The programme is designed to help unemployed and underserved youth improve their employability in a labour market where digital skills are becoming increasingly important.
Participants may gain exposure to areas such as:
- Digital literacy
- Workplace readiness
- Microsoft Office applications
- Data analytics basics
- Networking technologies
- IT fundamentals
- Professional communication
- Problem-solving and teamwork
This is not just about learning how to use a computer. The programme is structured to help young people become more confident, capable, and prepared for future workplace opportunities.
Who Can Join the Programme?
The opportunity is open to unemployed youth who meet the basic entry requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be South African citizens
- Be residents of the City of Johannesburg
- Meet the academic requirements for their chosen course
- Be part of the target group of unemployed and underserved youth
Selection is done on a first come, first served basis.
Which Courses Are Available?
There are three programme options available for 2026.
Each course has 50 available spaces, making the total number of beneficiaries 150 youth.
The available programmes are:
- Foundational Employability Skills Programme
- Microsoft Office Specialist & Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme
- Networking Specialist Programme
Each pathway is designed for a different level of education and career interest.
What Is the Foundational Employability Skills Programme?
The Foundational Employability Skills Programme is aimed at out-of-school youth who need practical workplace readiness training.
This course is suitable for applicants who have:
- Grade 10
- English
The programme may help participants develop important workplace skills such as:
- Professional communication
- Workplace behaviour
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Interview preparation
- Career readiness
Many young people struggle to enter the workplace because they do not yet have the soft skills employers expect.
This pathway can be a useful starting point for youth who have not completed Grade 12 but still want to build confidence and prepare for future opportunities.
What Is the Microsoft Office Specialist and Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme?
The Microsoft Office Specialist & Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme is aimed at unemployed youth who want to build stronger digital productivity and data skills.
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English with at least 40%
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40%
Participants may gain exposure to:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data handling
- Data interpretation
- Reporting skills
- Digital productivity tools
Data skills are becoming useful in many industries, including administration, finance, customer service, research, business support, and technology.
A young person who can organise information, understand data, and create clear reports may stand out more strongly in entry-level opportunities.
What Is the Networking Specialist Programme?
The Networking Specialist Programme is designed for unemployed youth who are interested in information technology and computer networks.
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English with at least 40%
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40%
- An interest in Information Technology
This course may be useful for young people who want to explore entry-level pathways linked to IT support and networking.
Possible future pathways include:
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Technician
- Help Desk Support
- Systems Support Assistant
- Network Administrator Trainee
Computer networks support communication, data sharing, and everyday operations in schools, offices, government departments, businesses, and large organisations.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Choose the programme that matches both your current qualification level and your future direction. If you meet the Grade 12 requirements and enjoy technology, the data analytics or networking pathways may give you stronger specialised skills. If you are still building workplace confidence, the foundational programme can be a smart first step.
Why Are Digital Skills So Important for Youth?
Digital skills are no longer only needed in technology careers.
Many entry-level opportunities now require young people to use email, online systems, spreadsheets, digital forms, communication tools, and basic data processes.
Employers often look for candidates who can:
- Use computers confidently
- Communicate professionally online
- Work with documents and spreadsheets
- Manage information accurately
- Solve simple digital problems
- Adapt to modern workplace tools
For unemployed youth, these skills may support access to learnerships, internships, entry-level employment, further training, or entrepreneurship opportunities.
The more digitally confident a young person becomes, the easier it may be to compete in a changing workplace.
When Do Applications Close?
Applications for the Sci-Bono & GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme opened on 28 May 2026.
The closing date is 5 June 2026.
Because places are limited and selection is on a first come, first served basis, applicants should not wait until the last day.
How Can Interested Youth Submit Their Application?
Applications are free.
Interested applicants must complete the official online form before the closing date.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.
Before completing the form, applicants should make sure they understand which programme they qualify for and have their personal and academic information ready.
Grow Your Career with SETACareers
Access the latest learnerships, internships, bursaries, scholarships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and practical SETA guides designed to help you succeed.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Bursaries
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Career Advice
- SETA Guides
Final Thoughts
The Sci-Bono & GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme for Youth 2026 offers unemployed young people a practical opportunity to build skills that matter in today’s workplace.
With training options covering employability, Microsoft Office, data analytics, and networking, the programme can support youth who want to become more confident, capable, and employable.
Only 150 spaces are available across the three courses, and applications close on 5 June 2026.
