Young people looking to build valuable digital skills now have an opportunity to gain free training through the Sci-Bono and Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) Digital Skills Development Programme 2026.
The initiative is designed to equip unemployed youth with practical skills that are increasingly required in today’s workplace. With digital literacy becoming essential across almost every industry, the programme aims to help participants improve their employability and prepare for future career opportunities.
Applications are now open and will close on 5 June 2026.
Programme Overview
The Digital Skills Development Programme is a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
The programme targets unemployed and underserved youth residing within the City of Johannesburg and offers three different learning pathways based on educational qualifications and career interests.
Quick Summary
- Programme: Digital Skills Development Programme 2026
- Partners: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and Gauteng Department of Social Development
- Location: City of Johannesburg
- Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
- Cost: Free
- Application Opening Date: 28 May 2026
- Application Closing Date: 5 June 2026
- Available Spaces: 50 per programme
- Total Beneficiaries: 150
- Selection Method: First come, first served
Because space is limited, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Why Digital Skills Matter More Than Ever
Technology continues to transform the way businesses operate. Employers now expect candidates to have at least basic digital knowledge, even when applying for entry-level positions.
Many jobs require employees to:
- Use computers confidently
- Manage digital documents
- Communicate through email and online platforms
- Analyse information and data
- Work with productivity software
- Collaborate using digital tools
As a result, digital skills have become one of the most important assets for job seekers across South Africa.
The Sci-Bono and GDSD programme aims to bridge this gap by providing training that aligns with current workplace needs.
Available Training Programmes
Applicants can choose from three different programmes depending on their qualifications and career goals.
1. Foundational Employability Skills Programme
This programme is aimed at out-of-school youth who may not yet meet the requirements for more advanced digital training opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 10
- English as a subject
What Participants Will Learn
The programme focuses on workplace readiness and professional development skills, including:
- Communication skills
- Workplace etiquette
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Job search techniques
- Interview preparation
These skills are often the foundation employers look for when recruiting new employees.
For young people who have not completed Matric, this programme can provide a valuable stepping stone towards future employment and training opportunities.
2. Microsoft Office Specialist and Cisco Data Analytics Essentials Programme
This programme is designed for unemployed youth who want to strengthen their digital and analytical capabilities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English with at least 40%
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40%
Skills Development Areas
Participants may receive training in:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data management
- Data analysis
- Reporting techniques
- Digital productivity tools
Benefits of Data Analytics Skills
Data is becoming increasingly important across industries.
Businesses rely on data to improve operations, understand customers, and make informed decisions.
Individuals with data-related skills may find opportunities in:
- Administration
- Finance
- Customer service
- Research
- Data capturing
- Business support roles
These skills can significantly improve employability in both public and private sector organisations.
3. Networking Specialist Programme
The Networking Specialist Programme is ideal for young people interested in information technology and computer systems.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12
- English with at least 40%
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy with at least 40%
- An interest in Information Technology
What Participants May Learn
The programme introduces learners to networking fundamentals and information technology concepts that support modern organisations.
Potential Career Opportunities
Training in networking can lead to entry-level opportunities such as:
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Assistant
- Junior Network Technician
- Systems Support Assistant
- Network Administrator Trainee
As businesses become more dependent on technology, networking skills continue to be highly valuable in the labour market.
General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for any of the available programmes, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be unemployed
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Reside within the City of Johannesburg
- Meet the minimum academic requirements for their chosen programme
The programme specifically targets unemployed and underserved youth.
Selection Process
Applicants should be aware of the following:
- Only 50 spaces are available for each programme
- Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis
- Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance
- Early applications will have a better chance of securing placement
Due to the limited number of spaces available, applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to apply.
Application Dates
Applications opened on:
28 May 2026
Applications close on:
5 June 2026
Late applications are unlikely to be considered.
APPLY FOR THE SCI-BONO & GDSD DIGITAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR YOUTH 2026
Benefits of Participating
Successful participants will gain access to valuable training that can improve their chances of securing future opportunities.
Benefits may include:
- Improved digital literacy
- Workplace readiness skills
- Technology-related knowledge
- Enhanced employability
- Better career prospects
- Exposure to industry-relevant training
For many young people, programmes like this can serve as an important stepping stone toward internships, learnerships, entry-level employment, and further education opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The Sci-Bono and GDSD Digital Skills Development Programme 2026 presents a valuable opportunity for unemployed youth in Johannesburg to gain practical digital and workplace skills at no cost.
With 150 spaces available across three training programmes, participants can build competencies that are increasingly demanded by employers across multiple industries.
Young people who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before applications close on 5 June 2026.
Out of youth
Geared 11
Grade 11