Sci‑Bono Discovery Centre & the Department of Social Development invite young people to apply for their Youth Skills Programme.
Applications will close on 11 December 2025.
What Is the Youth Skills Programme?
A brand‑new, totally free training package has just opened its doors for 18‑to‑35‑year‑olds who are either out of school or looking for a job. It runs from 8 December to 11 December 2025, each day between 09:30 am and 02:00 pm, at the Sci‑Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg (BHP entrance).
The programme is built to give you real‑world skills that employers want today – from basic office tools to advanced networking – and to help you stand out on your CV.
| What you’ll get | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Youth Skills Programme |
| Partners | Department of Social Development (DSD) & Sci‑Bono Discovery Centre |
| Cost | FREE – fully funded by the government and Sci‑Bono |
| Who can join? | 18‑35‑year‑olds who live in Johannesburg and are either unemployed or not in school |
| How many spots? | 420 places (320 for women, 100 for men) |
| Why it matters | Gives you a clear path to a job in the digital, technical or office world |
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
- Industry‑ready digital skills that match what companies ask for.
- Hands‑on training in computers, data and networks.
- Official certificates that employers recognise.
- A step‑by‑step journey from training to a real job.
When you finish, your CV will look stronger and more attractive to recruiters, and you’ll have a badge to show for it.
The Three Training Paths
You can choose the one that fits your interests and future plans. All start at a beginner level, so no previous experience is needed.
1. Foundational Employability Skills
Ideal for those who have not finished school or need a solid job‑ready foundation.
What you’ll learn:
- Talking and working well with others.
- Showing professional behaviour on the job.
- Problem‑solving and proper office etiquette.
- Basic computer use.
- Building a winning CV and nailing interviews.
Who it’s for: Anyone who is out of school and ready to step into the workforce.
2. Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis Basics
Perfect if you want to work in an office, government, NGO or any place that needs strong computer skills.
What you’ll learn:
- Mastering Word, Excel and PowerPoint at a specialist level.
- Building and using spreadsheets.
- Reading and interpreting simple data sets.
- Getting comfortable with digital workplace tools.
Who it’s for: Youth who are unemployed and want to get into admin or data‑focused jobs.
Job possibilities after the course:
- Office assistant
- Data entry clerk
- Junior analyst
- Receptionist or admin coordinator
- Project helper
3. Networking Specialist
A technical track for those who dream of working in IT, networking or infrastructure support.
What you’ll learn:
- Basics of networking and how networks work.
- Hardware and software fundamentals.
- How the internet works.
- Introduction to IT support and network maintenance.
Who it’s for: Anyone who has a Grade 12 English pass and a basic math skill (minimum 40%).
Job possibilities after the course:
- IT support technician
- Cabling and network maintenance helper
- Helpdesk or service desk agent
- Field support tech
Who Needs to Apply
To join, you must:
- Be 18–35 years old.
- Live in Johannesburg (bring a proof of address).
- Have a grade 10 statement of results (for the Employability stream).
- Have a grade 12 statement of results (for the other two streams).
- Carry a certified copy of your South African ID.
The registration process is in‑person only. Show up at the BHP entrance between 09:30 am and 02:00 pm from 8 Dec to 11 Dec. Spots are limited – first come, first served – so arrive early.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Pack your paperwork in a tidy folder: ID, grade statements, proof of residence.
- Dress neatly – a clean shirt and comfortable shoes are a good choice.
- Arrive on time – the earlier you get there, the better your chance of getting into your chosen stream.
- Pick a track that matches where you see yourself in the future.
- After you finish training, use the free resources in Johannesburg to update your CV and start applying for internships or learnerships.
What Happens After You Finish
The programme opens doors to many pathways:
| Stream | Typical Jobs |
|---|---|
| Employability | Internship, admin assistant, retail, call‑centre agent, HR support |
| Office Specialist | Data entry, office admin, junior analyst, project assistant |
| Networking | IT technician, helpdesk, network support, field tech |
You may also find further opportunities at SETAs, TVET colleges, digital skills initiatives, the YES Programme or EPWP tech placements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the training free?
Yes – the Department of Social Development and Sci‑Bono cover all costs.Do I need to know how to use a computer already?
No. All three streams start with the basics.Do I have to live in Johannesburg?
Yes. Proof of residence is mandatory.Can a student still in school join?
No, the programme is only for out‑of‑school or unemployed youth aged 18‑35.Will I receive a certificate?
Absolutely. Every participant gets a certificate for the course they finish.Will they help me get a job afterward?
While placement isn’t guaranteed, Sci‑Bono has links to recruiters and SETAs that can help you.Can I sign up online?
No – registration is only in‑person at the centre.What time should I arrive?
The earlier, the better. There are a limited number of spots.
Final Thoughts
This is a rare chance to step into a world of digital and office skills without spending a single rand. Grab the opportunity, bring your documents, and show up ready to learn. Your future self will thank you.
Contact for more info: nyiko.sirinda@sci-bono.co.za
Disclaimer – All details come from the official Sci‑Bono programme poster. Check with the centre directly before you go, and remember that spots fill up quickly.
