Young South Africans who have completed Matric and want to start a career in Information Technology can apply for the Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership Programme 2026.
The learnership is offered by Discovery Central Services within its Information Technology function and provides successful applicants with structured learning together with practical workplace experience.
Importantly, applicants do not need a completed university or college qualification to meet the basic education requirement. Grade 12 is essential, provided applicants meet the required subject marks and the other eligibility criteria.
The programme leads to a nationally recognised FETC: IT Technical Support qualification, making this an opportunity worth considering for unemployed young people interested in desktop support, computer hardware, digital support and the broader IT support environment.
Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership 2026: Quick Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
| Organisation | Discovery |
| Business Unit | Discovery Central Services |
| Programme | IT Technical Support Learnership |
| Function | Information Technology |
| Location | 1 Discovery Place, Sandton, Gauteng |
| Minimum Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Age Requirement | 18–30 years |
| Qualification | FETC: IT Technical Support |
| Mathematics | Minimum Level 4 – 50% |
| Mathematical Literacy | Minimum Level 5 – 60% |
| English | Minimum Level 4 – 50% |
| Second Language | Minimum Level 4 – 50% |
| Tertiary Qualification | Not essential; incomplete tertiary IT qualification may be advantageous |
| Employment Status | Must not be formally employed |
| Current Studies | Must not be engaged in post-Matric studies |
| Previous Learnership | Must not have completed a previous learnership |
| Application Method | Online through Discovery Careers |
What Is the Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership?
The Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership is an entry-level skills development opportunity designed to provide participants with both theoretical learning and practical IT workplace experience.
Successful candidates will work towards a nationally recognised FETC: IT Technical Support qualification.
Unlike an ordinary classroom-based programme, a learnership combines structured learning components with practical experience in a workplace. Discovery indicates that the practical component will take place within its IT Servicing Team.
This means learners will have an opportunity to understand how IT support functions operate in a professional corporate environment while developing the technical and workplace skills required for future employment.
What Will Learners Do at Discovery?
Participants may be exposed to several areas within Discovery’s IT support environment.
Areas of responsibility may include:
- Desktop support
- Hardware engineering
- Digital Support, including Contact Centre-related support
Desktop support generally involves assisting users with computers, software, devices and common technical problems.
Hardware-related exposure can help learners understand computer equipment and how technical problems affecting devices are identified and resolved.
Digital support can also expose learners to the service side of IT, where technical knowledge must be combined with communication, problem-solving and customer service skills.
For a young person interested in entering the IT industry, this combination of learning and workplace exposure can provide a useful foundation for future technical-support roles.
Who Can Apply for the Discovery IT Learnership?
One of the most important features of this opportunity is that Grade 12 is the essential educational qualification.
Applicants must, however, meet Discovery’s specified school-subject requirements.
Matric Requirements
Applicants must have Grade 12 with the required results.
The advertised requirements include:
Mathematics
Minimum Level 4 (50%)
OR
Mathematical Literacy
Minimum Level 5 (60%)
Applicants must also have:
English
Minimum Level 4 (50%)
Second Language
Minimum Level 4 (50%)
Applicants should carefully check their Matric results before applying.
For example, someone who completed Mathematical Literacy rather than Mathematics is not automatically excluded. However, the applicant would need at least 60% for Mathematical Literacy.
Can You Apply With Matric Only?
Yes.
Grade 12 is listed as the essential educational requirement.
This makes the Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership particularly relevant to young people who completed Matric but have not yet obtained a university, university of technology or TVET College qualification.
Discovery does indicate that having an incomplete tertiary IT qualification may be an advantage, but this is not listed as the essential minimum qualification.
Therefore, eligible Matric applicants should not assume that they need a completed IT diploma or degree before applying.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be: Between 18 and 30 years old.
Candidates outside this specified age range would therefore not meet the advertised learnership requirements.
You Must Not Currently Be Studying
Discovery specifies that applicants must not be engaged in post-Matric studies.
This is an important eligibility condition.
If you are currently formally studying towards a qualification after Matric, you should carefully consider this requirement before submitting an application.
The opportunity is primarily aimed at candidates who are available to participate in the learnership and its workplace-learning components.
You Must Not Be Formally Employed
Candidates must also not be engaged in formal employment.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to unemployed young South Africans who are looking for an opportunity to enter the workplace while developing an occupational skill.
Applicants should answer questions about their employment status accurately during the application and recruitment process.
Previous Learnerships
Another important requirement is that applicants must not have completed any previous learnership.
Candidates who have already completed another learnership should therefore take note of this condition.
Applicants should not hide a previous learnership during recruitment. Information supplied during an application should always be complete and accurate.
Computer Skills Required
Although Discovery does not require applicants to already be qualified IT technicians, candidates should possess basic computer skills.
The advert specifically mentions knowledge of:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
Candidates should therefore be comfortable performing basic tasks on a computer.
If you have used computers at school, completed computer-related subjects, participated in an IT course or have practical experience troubleshooting computers, you can include relevant and truthful information on your CV.
However, applicants should never claim technical skills they do not actually possess.
Personal Attributes and Skills Discovery Is Looking For
Academic requirements are only part of the selection criteria.
Discovery is also looking for candidates who demonstrate appropriate workplace attributes.
These include:
- Innovative and critical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- Good attention to detail
- Accuracy
- High standards for quality and quantity
- A systematic and methodical approach to work
- Good time-management skills
- Planning ability
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively
- Ability to operate in a high-pressure environment
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Service-driven attitude
- Sense of urgency
- Adaptability
- Ability to accept criticism and learn from feedback
These attributes are particularly relevant in IT technical support.
Technical-support employees frequently need to identify problems, investigate possible causes, communicate with users and find solutions while working under time pressure.
Communication Skills Are Important
Applicants must have effective written and verbal English communication skills.
IT support is not only about fixing computers.
Technical-support professionals frequently need to communicate with people who may not have advanced technical knowledge. Being able to listen to a user’s problem, ask the correct questions and explain a solution clearly can therefore be as important as technical ability.
Applicants should keep this in mind when preparing for possible assessments or interviews.
Why This Learnership Could Be Valuable for Matric Applicants
Many entry-level IT vacancies ask applicants for qualifications or previous workplace experience.
This can create a difficult situation for young people trying to obtain their first opportunity.
A learnership can help bridge that gap by combining education with practical workplace exposure.
The Discovery programme is particularly attractive because successful participants work towards a nationally recognised FETC: IT Technical Support qualification while gaining workplace experience within an IT servicing environment.
The experience could help learners develop foundational skills relevant to areas such as:
- IT technical support
- Help desk support
- Desktop support
- Hardware support
- Digital support
- IT service environments
- User support
- Technical customer service
Completion of the learnership should not, however, be interpreted as a guarantee of permanent employment. Applicants should regard it as an opportunity to obtain structured training, a recognised qualification and practical experience.
Where Is the Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership Based?
Discovery’s official careers listings place the opportunity at:
1 Discovery Place
Sandton
Gauteng
South Africa
Applicants should consider the location before applying, particularly if they live outside Gauteng.
Discovery’s careers platform lists the opportunity under Discovery Central Services and the Information Technology function.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through Discovery’s official careers platform here
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Applicants should have their personal and academic information ready before beginning an online application.
Depending on what Discovery requests during the recruitment process, candidates may need information or supporting documents such as:
- Updated CV
- South African ID or identification information
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Contact information
- Academic information
- Details of any incomplete IT studies, where applicable
Only submit documents requested through the official recruitment process.
Edupstairs Application Tips
Before clicking submit, compare your Matric results with the advertised requirements.
Pay particular attention to the difference between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.
Applicants with Mathematics require at least 50%, while applicants with Mathematical Literacy require at least 60%.
Also check the other eligibility conditions.
You should be able to confirm that you:
- Have completed Grade 12;
- Are between 18 and 30;
- Are not currently engaged in post-Matric studies;
- Are not formally employed;
- Have not previously completed a learnership;
- Meet the required school-subject marks;
- Can communicate effectively in English; and
- Have basic computer skills.
If you meet these conditions, make sure your CV clearly presents your education, computer skills and any relevant IT exposure.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Important Warning for Applicants
Job seekers should apply through Discovery’s legitimate recruitment channels and should be cautious of individuals claiming they can guarantee placement in exchange for money.
Never falsify your Matric marks, age, employment status, study status or previous learnership history.
Before submitting your application, confirm that the vacancy you are viewing is the Discovery Central Services – Learnership: IT Technical Support opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is the Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership available in 2026?
Yes. Discovery’s official careers platform listed the Learnership – IT Technical Support opportunity under Discovery Central Services in September 2026.
-
Can I apply with Grade 12 only?
Yes. Grade 12 is the essential educational requirement. A completed university or college qualification is not listed as compulsory.
-
Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, provided you obtained at least Level 5 (60%) in Mathematical Literacy and meet the other requirements.
-
What Mathematics mark do I need?
Applicants using Mathematics must have at least Level 4 (50%).
-
What English mark is required?
Applicants require at least Level 4 (50%) in English.
-
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
-
Can university or college students apply?
The advertised requirements state that applicants must not be engaged in post-Matric studies.
-
Can employed people apply?
The programme requires applicants not to be engaged in formal employment.
-
Can I apply if I previously completed another learnership?
No. Discovery specifies that applicants must not have completed any previous learnership.
-
Do I need computer skills?
Yes. Applicants should possess basic computer skills, particularly MS Excel and MS Outlook.
-
Where is the learnership based?
The opportunity is listed at 1 Discovery Place in Sandton, Gauteng.
-
What qualification will learners work towards?
The programme leads to a nationally recognised FETC: IT Technical Support qualification.
-
What type of IT work could I be exposed to?
The advertised areas include desktop support, hardware engineering and Digital Support/Contact Centre.
-
Does an incomplete IT qualification help?
It may. Discovery indicates that an incomplete tertiary IT qualification is an advantage, although Grade 12 remains the essential educational requirement.
Our Conclusion
The Discovery IT Technical Support Learnership Programme 2026 provides an important entry point for young Matric applicants who want to start building a career in Information Technology.
What makes the programme particularly accessible is that applicants do not need to already possess a completed IT diploma or degree. Grade 12 is the essential qualification, although candidates must meet the specified Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, English and second-language requirements.
Successful learners will combine structured learning with workplace experience in Discovery’s IT Servicing Team while working towards a nationally recognised FETC: IT Technical Support qualification.
For unemployed young people aged 18 to 30 who meet the academic requirements, have basic computer skills and have never completed a previous learnership, this is an opportunity worth considering.
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Disclaimer
Edupstairs is an independent education and opportunities information platform and is not Discovery. Edupstairs does not recruit candidates, process applications or guarantee placement. Programme information should always be verified against Discovery’s official careers platform before an application is submitted.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
