Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is looking for suitable young people to apply for their Digital Skills Transformation Training for SMMEs. The closing date for applications is 25 February 2026.
Think of this as a quick, four‑day crash course that will put the power of a well‑wired network right in your hands. It’s run by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in partnership with Huawei and is part of a larger Digital Entrepreneurship Programme that’s all about giving small businesses in places like Joburg and Gauteng a real boost in the connected economy.
Why you should care:
- Learn the basics of routers, switches and Wi‑Fi – the building blocks of every online business.
- Get hands‑on knowledge that you can use to make your store’s website faster and your office more secure.
- Free to attend and backed by the government – no hidden fees.
- Can be a stepping‑stone to future certifications like Cisco or cloud computing.
What the four days look like
The training is online, so you can join from home or a local tech hub. Sessions run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day.
- Day 1 – Introduction to Network
- Day 2 – Ethernet & VLAN
- Day 3 – STP & Inter‑VLAN
- Day 4 – Inter‑VLAN & WLAN Overview
Who can join?
- Owners or managers of a small, medium or micro enterprise (SMME).
- Anyone with basic computer skills who wants to make their business more digital.
- Start‑ups, online businesses, ICT‑driven services, retail shops and youth entrepreneurs.
- Must be able to log in to online sessions and commit to all four days.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Check you’re available to attend 2–5 March 2026 (9:00–12:00 daily).
- Fill out the RSVP form before 25 February 2026. Apply right here before it closes.
- Wait for a confirmation email that will send you the login details for the online platform.
- Mark your calendar and get ready to learn – it’s a 3‑hour daily session, so you can fit it between other work or school duties.
Slots are limited, so don’t wait. Confirming early gives you a better chance of getting in.
What you’ll get out of it
- A solid foundation in digital infrastructure – useful whether you’re running a shop or a tech startup.
- Practical skills you can apply immediately: setting up a secure Wi‑Fi network, troubleshooting common connectivity issues, and preparing your business for future tech upgrades.
- Potential pathways to advanced certifications (Cisco, cloud, cybersecurity) and to roles like IT support or digital marketing.
- A certificate of completion (details to be confirmed by organisers).
Tips to stand out when applying
- Show a clear idea of how you plan to use network skills in your business (e.g., “I want to set up a secure online store for my bakery”).
- Make sure your computer and internet connection are reliable – you’ll be watching live sessions.
- Fill the RSVP form fully and double‑check your email address. You’ll receive a confirmation soon after.
- Bring a notepad and a willingness to ask questions – the trainers are happy to help beginners.
Why this matters for youth in South Africa
Digital literacy is no longer a nice‑to‑have; it’s a must‑have. With this training, you’ll learn how to keep your business online, protect customer data, and tap into new markets. After the course, you could even look at further studies or jobs in IT support or networking – all of which have strong demand in our economy.
FAQs
- Is attendance mandatory for all days? Yes, you need to join every session to get the full benefit.
- Will I receive a certificate? Yes, a completion certificate will be issued once the course is finished.
- Do I need a technical background? No – a basic understanding of computers is enough.
- What’s the main takeaway? You’ll grasp how networks work so you can run a smoother, safer, more connected business.
Need more help?
At Edupstairs, we’re here to make sure you hit the ground running. We’ve got tips on preparing for the course, what to bring, and how to turn what you learn into real business value.
Remember, this opportunity ends on 25 February 2026. Apply now and give your business the tech edge it deserves.
