Discover the fully funded Sci-Bono and Department of Social Development Youth Skills Programme for 2026. Learn about registration dates, requirements, and the three training programmes offered to empower unemployed youth in Johannesburg.

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, in partnership with the Department of Social Development (DSD), has officially opened registrations for a brand-new, fully funded Youth Skills Programme designed to empower out-of-school and unemployed youth with practical, work-ready skills. Registration runs from 8 – 11 December 2025, and the programme is completely free for qualifying applicants.

This initiative aims to give young people the kind of digital, employability, and technical foundation that employers across South Africa are actively seeking. If you’ve been hoping for an opportunity to improve your skills, boost your confidence, and become more competitive in the job market, this programme is exactly the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

You can also:
Take the Learnership Readiness Quiz here
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Create and Download your CV for these Learnerships here
Create a Motivational Letter for these Learnerships here
Practice Interview Questions and Answers for these Learnerships here
View more 2026 Learnerships here

Programme Quick Overview

Programme Name: Youth Skills Programme
Partners: Department of Social Development (DSD) & Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Registration Dates: 8 – 11 December 2025
Time: 09h30 – 14h00
Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (BHP Entrance), Johannesburg
Cost: Free
Target Group: Youth aged 18–35 who are unemployed or out of school
Programmes Offered:

1. Foundational Employability Skills
2. Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis Basics
3. Networking Specialist
   Total Intake: 420 (320 ladies and 100 gents)
   Proof of Residence: Must be a Johannesburg resident
   More Info Email: nyiko.sirinda@sci-bono.co.za

About the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s leading science and technology education hubs. The organisation focuses on equipping youth with hands-on learning experiences, digital skills, and practical training designed for real employment pathways.

Working closely with government departments, SETAs, and industry partners, Sci-Bono delivers programmes that help young people prepare for jobs in digital, technical, and STEM fields. This new partnership with the Department of Social Development is part of a bigger effort to support unemployed youth and close the gap between education and employment.

Why This Programme Matters

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains extremely high. Many young people have the potential to succeed but lack the practical skills employers expect. This programme is crafted to solve that problem by providing:

• Industry-relevant digital training
• Real-world computer and networking concepts
• Confidence-building employability skills
• Recognised certification opportunities
• A free and supportive pathway into the world of work

Whether you choose employability training, Microsoft Office specialist skills, or networking fundamentals, each module aligns perfectly with workplace expectations across government, NGOs, corporate offices, and the broader technology sector.

Completing this programme significantly strengthens your CV and helps you stand out when applying for jobs or internships.

Programmes Offered: Full Breakdown

1. Foundational Employability Skills Programme

This programme is ideal for youth who want to build the essential skills needed to enter the job market confidently. It focuses on workplace behaviour, communication, teamwork, and practical preparation for real work environments.

What You Will Learn

• Communication and teamwork
• Professional behaviour and workplace etiquette
• Problem-solving techniques
• Basic computer usage
• CV development and interview preparation

Minimum Requirement

• Grade 10 with English

Target Group

• Out-of-school youth

This programme builds confidence and prepares you for entry-level roles by teaching the soft skills that employers expect from work-ready candidates.

2. Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis Basics

This option is perfect for anyone interested in office work, administrative roles, corporate environments, NGOs, or any position that requires strong computer literacy.

Training Includes

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint at specialist level
• Spreadsheet fundamentals
• Data analysis and interpretation basics
• Digital workplace productivity tools

Minimum Requirement

• Grade 12 English (pass)

Target Group

• Unemployed youth

This certification is recognised nationwide and can boost employability in roles such as admin assistant, data capturer, office clerk, customer service support, and NGO administration.

3. Networking Specialist Programme

This is the most technical option and is suited to youth interested in IT, digital infrastructure, and network support.

What You Will Be Trained In

• Networking fundamentals
• Hardware and software basics
• Internet technologies
• Digital connectivity
• Introduction to IT support and infrastructure

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 English (pass)
• Mathematics or Maths Literacy (minimum 40%)

Potential Career Paths

• IT support
• Cabling technician
• Network maintenance assistant
• Helpdesk support
• Call centre technical support

This programme builds a strong foundation for careers in the IT and networking sector.

Programme Requirements (What to Bring When Registering)

To register, applicants must bring:

• Certified copy of South African ID
• Grade 10 statement of results
• Grade 12 statement of results
• Proof of residence in Johannesburg
• Must be 18–35 years old

Programme Intake

• 320 ladies
• 100 gents
• Total: 420 youth

How to Register

Registration takes place in person at:

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (BHP Entrance)
8 – 11 December 2025
09h30 – 14h00 daily

It works on a first come, first served basis, so arriving early is highly encouraged.

Conclusion

The Sci-Bono and DSD Youth Skills Programme offers young people a rare chance to gain free, high-quality training that directly improves their employability. Whether you want to strengthen your workplace readiness, advance your computer skills, or step into the world of IT networking, this programme provides the tools, guidance, and hands-on learning needed to make meaningful progress toward your career goals. If you’re between 18 and 35, live in Johannesburg, and meet the requirements, make sure you register during the allocated dates. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and this one has the power to change your future.