Gauteng Department of Employment Launches 2026 AI Contact Centre Agent Training – Start Your Career Now
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, together with the BPO Skills Academy, is looking for suitable young people to apply for their GBS High Impact Contact Centre Agents Training opportunities. The closing date for applications is 13 February 2026.
What’s the gig?
You’ll learn how to run a contact centre from day one – think call handling, chat support, and using AI‑driven tools that big companies use today. After six months of classroom lessons, mock calls, and a real‑world work placement, you’ll finish with an NQF Level 3 qualification worth 40 credits.
- Who can join? Unemployed South Africans aged 18‑35 (including people living with disabilities).
- Where? Training happens in Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Alexandra, Wynberg, Thokoza, Spruitview, Vosloorus, Reiger Park, Honeydew and Tembisa.
- Pay? The programme is free to attend, but some placement slots offer a stipend.
Why is this a good start?
- It’s a fast‑moving field – almost every sector needs customer‑service talent.
- You’ll gain digital skills (chatbots, CRM systems) that are in high demand.
- Work placement gives you a real resume boost and a chance to get a job after training.
Eligibility checklist
✔️ South African citizen
✔️ Matric (English + Math or Mathematical Literacy)
✔️ 18‑35 years old
✔️ Unemployed (NEET – not in education, employment or training)
✔️ Willing to commit 6 months of training
✔️ Ready to work in a contact‑centre environment
Females and people living with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Register on the Harambee Youth Portal.
- Fill out your profile – use accurate details, upload a clear photo, and list any relevant skills.
- Search for “GBS High Impact Contact Centre Agents Training”.
- Submit before 13 February 2026.
- Confirm you’ve received an email receipt.
Apply right here before it closes
If you hit a snag, call Mabu Ramotlou at 060 954 3829 or email Mabu@bpoacademy.co.za.
What to bring to the table
- A simple CV (no fancy formatting).
- A short cover letter that says why you want to work with customers and learn about AI.
- Proof of matric (scan or photo).
- ID number and contact details for verification.
Make your application stand out
- Highlight any customer‑service experience – even volunteer work.
- Show you’re curious about technology (mention a chatbot you’ve tried or a CRM you’ve read about).
- Practice speaking clearly and politely – these are key interview skills.
- Keep your phone and inbox ready; interviews can be called quickly after your application is reviewed.
After you finish
A NQF Level 3 qualification opens doors to entry‑level roles such as:
- Contact centre agent
- Call‑centre operator
- Help‑desk support
With experience, you can move into:
- Team leader
- Quality assurance officer
- Customer experience specialist
Long‑term, you could become a contact‑centre manager, workforce analyst, or even a digital service strategist. These skills also translate to banking, telecom, insurance and e‑commerce support jobs.
FAQ snapshot
Is this a paid programme?
Some placement slots offer a stipend, but the core training is free.
Will I get a job after the course?
Work placement and potential fixed‑term roles are built in, but a job isn’t guaranteed – you’ll still need to impress during your placement.
What qualification will I earn?
A Contact Centre Operations NQF Level 3 certificate worth 40 credits.
Quick recap
- Who? Unemployed youth 18‑35, especially those from Diepsloot, Alexandra, and nearby areas.
- When? Apply before 13 Feb 2026.
- What? Six‑month training + work placement → NQF Level 3 qualification.
- Where? Several Gauteng locations, all easily reachable from Joburg.
This could be a game‑changer if you’re into tech‑savvy customer support and want a clear path to a steady paycheck.
Ready to jump in? Check the programme details on the official homepage and hit that application link before the deadline. Good luck, and let’s get you on the path to a bright career!
