Are you a young person in Johannesburg between 18 and 35 years old looking to build practical skills, boost your employability, and jumpstart your career? The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), is proud to announce the 2026 Youth Skills Programme—a fully funded, no-cost opportunity designed to equip unemployed and out-of-school youth with in-demand skills and certification. Free Youth Skills Programme 2026
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What is the Youth Skills Programme?
This Youth Skills Programme is a hands-on, career-focused initiative that offers young people the chance to gain real-world skills employers are actively looking for. Whether you want to improve your computer literacy, learn data analysis, or enter the IT and networking field, this programme provides a practical learning path—all without any fees.
The goal is simple: to empower youth with the tools and confidence needed to secure employment or further education opportunities in the fast-changing digital and technical economy.
Programme Overview
| Programme Name: | Youth Skills Programme 2026 |
|---|---|
| Partners: | Sci-Bono Discovery Centre & Department of Social Development (DSD) |
| Registration: | December 8 – 11, 2025 |
| Time: | 09:30 – 14:00 daily |
| Venue: | Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (BHP Entrance), Johannesburg |
| Cost: | Completely FREE |
| Who Qualifies: | Youth aged 18–35, unemployed or out of school, Johannesburg residents |
| Total Intake: | 420 learners (320 females & 100 males) |
Why You Should Join This Programme
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. Many young people have potential and motivation but lack workplace-ready skills, making it difficult to find sustainable employment.
This programme addresses those gaps by offering:
- Industry-relevant digital skills training
- Certification recognized nationwide
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Office, data analysis, and networking
- Preparation for real job interviews and work environments
- A pathway to increase your employability and confidence
Detailed Breakdown of the Programmes Offered
1. Foundational Employability Skills
Perfect for young people who may have dropped out of school but want to build essential job skills.
What you will learn:
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Professional workplace behaviour
- Problem-solving and workplace etiquette
- Basic computer skills
- CV writing and interview preparation
Entry requirement: Grade 10 pass with English
Ideal for: Out-of-school youth looking to enter the job market with confidence
2. Microsoft Office & Data Analysis Specialist
This programme is tailored for those targeting office roles, government admin, NGOs, or corporate environments.
What you will master:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint at specialist level
- Spreadsheet basics and data interpretation
- Digital productivity tools widely used in workplaces
Entry requirement: Grade 12 pass with English
Ideal for: Unemployed youth aiming for admin, data capture, customer service, or clerical work
3. Networking Specialist Programme
A technical track designed for youth interested in IT, networking, and infrastructure support careers.
What you will learn:
- Networking fundamentals and internet technologies
- Hardware and software basics
- Digital connectivity essentials
- Introductory IT support and infrastructure maintenance
Entry requirement: Grade 12 pass with English; Maths or Maths Literacy (minimum 40%)
Ideal for: Youth aspiring to careers in IT support, network maintenance, call centre tech support, and related fields
Programme Registration Requirements
To qualify for registration, you must bring the following documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 10 statement of results (if applicable)
- Grade 12 statement of results (if applicable)
- Proof of Johannesburg residence
- Age between 18 and 35 years
How to Register
Registration is conducted in person at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, BHP Entrance, Johannesburg.
Dates: December 8–11, 2025
Time: 09:00 to 15:00 daily
Note: It’s first come, first served, so arrive early to secure your place!
About Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, located in Newtown, Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s leading science and technology education hubs. It plays a vital role in empowering youth through hands-on learning, digital literacy, and career development programs focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
With strong ties to government departments, industry partners, and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Sci-Bono is committed to helping young South Africans acquire the skills and knowledge needed for today’s job market.
About the Department of Social Development (DSD)
The Department of Social Development is a government agency focused on improving social welfare in South Africa. By collaborating with Sci-Bono on this Youth Skills Programme, DSD aims to support unemployed and out-of-school youth by opening doors to education and employment opportunities.
What Makes This Programme Unique?
- No cost to participants: The entire programme is funded, removing financial barriers.
- Targeted skills: Curriculum designed around the skills employers demand most.
- Certified training: Recognized qualifications improve your chances of employment.
- Strong partnerships: Backed by government and industry experts.
- Support for women: Priority intake for women to encourage gender equality in tech and business fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the Youth Skills Programme?
A1: Youth between 18 and 35 years old who are unemployed or out of school, residing in Johannesburg, and meeting the educational requirements.
Q2: Is there any cost to participate in the programme?
A2: No, the entire programme is fully funded and completely free for all selected participants.
Q3: What documents do I need to bring to register?
A3: Certified ID copy, Grade 10 and/or Grade 12 results, and proof of Johannesburg residence.
Q4: How do I register?
A4: You must register in person at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre during the registration period (December 8–11, 2025) between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Q5: How many people will be accepted?
A5: The programme will accept 420 youth, with a focus on 320 females and 100 males.
Q6: Will I receive a certificate?
A6: Yes, you will receive certification upon successful completion, which is recognized across South Africa.
Q7: Can I join if I live outside Johannesburg?
A7: No, currently only residents of Johannesburg qualify for this programme.
Q8: What careers can this programme prepare me for?
A8: Careers in administration, IT support, customer service, data analysis, networking, and more.
Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future
This Youth Skills Programme is a golden opportunity for young people who want to transform their futures through practical skills training and certification.
Whether you dream of an office career, IT support, or just want to improve your job readiness, this free programme is designed with your success in mind.
Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and register at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre from December 8 to 11, 2025!
Additional Resources to Help You Succeed
- Learnership Readiness Test: Prepare for the volunteer roles by assessing your readiness with our online tests.
- Daily Career Score Tracker: Monitor your progress as you improve your skills every day.
- CV Builder: Create and download professional CVs tailored for learnerships.
- Motivational Letter Assistance: Write impressive cover letters for your applications.
- Interview Practice: Access common questions and model answers to boost your confidence.
- Explore More Learnerships: View additional learnership opportunities for 2026 to expand your options.
For further information or questions, please contact Nyiko Sirinda at nyiko.sirinda@sci-bono.co.za.
Empowering youth today, building South Africa’s workforce tomorrow.
Download the full Sci-Bono Youth Skills Programme brochure here
Amina Sechaba is a passionate career writer and employment researcher dedicated to helping South Africans find better job opportunities and prepare for successful careers. With years of experience in content writing and career development, Amina creates informative articles, application guides, and interview tips that empower job seekers to reach their full potential. Through her work with Submit Your CV, she aims to simplify the job application process and provide reliable information on learnerships, internships, and career advice for both students and professionals.