A digital career can start with one practical opportunity. The Vodacom Foundation ICT Skills Development Learnership 2026 gives unemployed young South Africans a chance to build workplace-ready IT skills, receive structured training and gain exposure to technology support in communities where digital access matters most.
The Vodacom Foundation Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026 is a 12-month fixed-term ICT skills development programme for unemployed South African youth aged 18–34. The programme targets young people from disadvantaged communities living near participating Vodacom ICT Centres. A stipend is provided, and applications close on 4 May 2026 at 14:00. Vodacom describes its Youth Academy as a programme that equips disadvantaged youth with ICT skills and supports pathways into internships, work experience and career opportunities.
For young people who want to enter the technology sector, the biggest challenge is often access.
You may be interested in IT, systems support or digital infrastructure, but still need the right training environment to build confidence and practical skills.
This learnership is designed to help bridge that gap.
It gives selected learners a structured route into ICT skills development — with financial support during the programme.
What Is The Vodacom Foundation Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026?
The Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026 is an ICT skills development programme offered through the Vodacom Foundation.
It is designed for unemployed youth who want to build practical skills linked to technology support, systems, connectivity and digital infrastructure.
The programme runs for 12 months on a fixed-term learnership contract.
Learners receive structured training and practical exposure linked to real ICT environments. Public programme listings confirm that the 2026 intake includes a monthly stipend, 12-month duration and a 4 May 2026 at 14:00 closing date.
Why Is This Learnership Important For Young People?
South Africa’s digital economy needs more young people with practical technology skills.
Many schools, community organisations, businesses and public institutions rely on basic ICT support to keep systems, devices and connectivity working.
This learnership helps young people develop those entry-level skills in a structured way.
It is especially valuable for applicants who want to move from interest in technology to real workplace readiness.
Who Can Apply For The Programme?
Applicants must meet the programme requirements before submitting their CV.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Be unemployed
- Live near a participating Vodacom ICT Centre
- Come from a disadvantaged background
- Have a valid South African ID
- Not be receiving another bursary or financial assistance during the same year
- Not have received similar ICT training before
Applicants must also be from Quintile 1–3 school backgrounds.
School information should be disclosed clearly, as applicants who do not provide this information may be disqualified.
Which Matric Subjects Are Required?
Applicants must have Matric with the required subjects.
The listed subject requirements are:
- English, First or Second Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Business Studies
- Physical Science
These subjects support the technical and workplace-learning nature of the programme.
Applicants should make sure their CV and documents clearly show that they meet the academic requirements.
What Will Learners Be Trained To Do?
The programme prepares learners for practical ICT support environments.
Learners may gain exposure to tasks such as:
- Installing IT equipment
- Supporting system analysis tasks
- Learning database design basics
- Troubleshooting computer systems
- Supporting connectivity services
- Assisting with digital infrastructure needs
These are useful skills for entry-level ICT support roles.
They can also help learners prepare for future opportunities in IT support, telecommunications, digital skills programmes and community technology initiatives.
How Long Does The Programme Run?
The Youth Academy IT Learnership runs for 12 months.
During this period, learners complete structured training and practical activities.
The programme is not only classroom-based.
It combines technical instruction with applied learning, community ICT support exposure and troubleshooting tasks.
That mix can help learners understand how ICT skills are used in real environments.
Is A Stipend Provided?
Yes. Learners receive a stipend during the programme.
The exact stipend amount is not specified in the information provided.
This financial support helps reduce the pressure of participating in full-time training, especially for unemployed youth who may need assistance with transport, meals or basic daily costs.
Applicants should remember that a stipend is support, not a permanent salary.
Where Are The Participating Vodacom ICT Centres?
Applicants must live near one of the participating Vodacom ICT Centres.
The listed centres include locations in Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape.
Because the programme is linked to centre proximity, applicants should only apply if they can realistically access one of the listed centres.
Which Centres Are Accepting Applications?
Gauteng
Atteridgeville Leshemong TPC
Corner of Marabastad and Ncabeleng
Atteridgeville Extension 9
Mokiri Streets
Orlando East
Soweto
North West
Ganyesa Post Office Drive
Ganyesa Village
Mpumalanga
Vezubuhle High School
Wetrade Street
Badplaas Avenue
Emalahleni
Eastern Cape
Lady Frere ICT Resource Centre
147 Faku Street
Lady Frere
KwaZulu-Natal
Umbumbulu Berea
78–80 Bartle Road
Umbilo
Limpopo
Makgato CPD Centre
Biba
Dzanan
Free State
Moutloatsi Primary School
Selosesha Unit 1
Thaba Nchu
Northern Cape
Kimberley Teacher Centre
C.N. Boshoff
6 Cricket Street
Lanyon Terrace
Belgravia
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
Applicants should prepare a clean application pack before submitting.
Useful documents include:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified Matric certificate
- Proof of residence
- Proof of school quintile status, if available
Even where only a CV is requested, supporting documents can help applicants prepare for follow-up checks.
A clear CV matters. It should show your location, subjects, contact details and interest in ICT.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not send a CV that only lists your school subjects. Add any practical technology exposure you have, even if informal. This can include helping with computer setup, phone troubleshooting, internet connectivity, school computer labs, basic software, typing, online applications or community digital support.
How Can Applicants Submit Their CV?
Applicants may submit their CV in two ways.
Option 1: Email Submission
CVs must be submitted to:
youthacademyrecruit@vodacom.co.za
Use a clear email subject line that includes the programme name and your nearest ICT Centre.
Option 2: Physical Submission
Applicants may also submit their CV at the nearest participating Vodacom ICT Centre.
Physical submissions are accepted between:
10:00 and 14:00 daily
Applicants should keep a copy of everything submitted.
When Is The Closing Date?
Applications close on 4 May 2026 at 14:00.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Because the closing time is specific, applicants should avoid waiting until the final hour.
Submit early. A missed deadline can end the opportunity before selection even begins.
Who Should Apply Immediately?
This programme is ideal for young people who are unemployed and serious about technology careers.
It may be especially suitable if you:
- Are aged 18–34
- Live near a participating Vodacom ICT Centre
- Come from a disadvantaged community
- Completed Matric with the required subjects
- Are interested in IT support or connectivity
- Have not received similar ICT training before
- Are not funded by another bursary or financial assistance this year
Applicants who want future opportunities in ICT internships, telecommunications training, digital learnerships or government digital skills programmes should take this seriously.
How Can Applicants Improve Their Chances?
Applicants should make their CV easy to read and relevant to the programme.
Before submitting, check that your CV includes:
- Full name and contact details
- ID number or date of birth
- Physical address
- Nearest Vodacom ICT Centre
- Matric subjects
- School name and quintile information, if known
- Any ICT-related exposure
- Availability for the full 12-month programme
Do not hide your location. For this programme, where you live matters.
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Final Thoughts
The Vodacom Foundation ICT Skills Development Learnership Programme 2026 is a valuable opportunity for unemployed young South Africans who want to build practical ICT skills.
With a 12-month structure, stipend support and access through participating Vodacom ICT Centres, the programme can help learners gain confidence in IT equipment, troubleshooting, connectivity and digital support tasks.
Applications close on 4 May 2026 at 14:00, so eligible applicants should submit their CV as early as possible.
