MANCOSA Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026

If you’ve been looking for a realistic way to enter the cybersecurity and ICT sector in South Africa without needing a university degree first, the MANCOSA Cybersecurity Learnership Programme, implemented with support from The Transcendance Group (TTG), is one of the strongest structured entry-level opportunities currently open to unemployed youth.

This programme is more than classroom training. It is designed as a skills-to-employment pipeline, meaning learners receive accredited training, workplace exposure, and the possibility of being placed into a cybersecurity-related job after successful completion.

Quick Overview

Programme: MANCOSA Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026
Partner Organisation: The Transcendance Group (TTG)
Sector: ICT / Cybersecurity
Programme Type: SETA-aligned Learnership
Duration: 12 months
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Learning Format: Hybrid (classroom + workplace exposure)
Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 / Matric
Age Requirement: 18 – 35 years
Employment Status: Must be unemployed
Citizenship: South African citizens only
Stipend: Paid (aligned with MICTSETA guidelines)
Employment Pathway: Possible placement after completion
Closing Date: 28 April 2026

What You Will Learn During the Programme

Participants will be introduced to real cybersecurity operational environments.

Training includes exposure to:

Cybersecurity Monitoring

Learners assist with:

• security alerts
• activity tracking
• threat identification basics
• monitoring dashboards

These are foundational skills used in Security Operations Centres (SOC environments).

IT Security Compliance Support

You may support teams working on:

• policy compliance
• audit preparation
• documentation controls
• governance frameworks

These skills are valuable across corporate and government ICT departments.

Vulnerability Awareness and System Reviews

Learners gain exposure to:

• identifying system weaknesses
• reviewing configuration basics
• supporting risk tracking processes
• documenting improvement recommendations

This builds entry-level cyber risk awareness.

Incident Reporting and Documentation

One of the most important cybersecurity entry-level skills is documentation accuracy.

You’ll help:

• capture incident summaries
• prepare internal reports
• maintain audit trails
• track resolution workflows

Documentation skills alone can lead to IT governance roles.

Portfolio of Evidence Development

A major advantage of SETA-aligned programmes:

You graduate with documented proof of competence.

Your portfolio may include:

• monitoring logs
• project participation evidence
• compliance exposure records
• training completion certificates
• workplace task reports

Employers value this strongly.

Minimum Requirements

To apply successfully, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• South African citizen
• Currently unemployed
• Age between 18 – 35 years
• Willing to commit to full programme duration
• Available for both classroom and workplace training

Preference may be given to candidates residing in:

Cape Town and surrounding Western Cape areas

Additional Advantageous Qualities

You don’t need an IT qualification to apply.

However, the following help strengthen your application:

• basic networking knowledge
• previous digital training participation
• exposure to coding basics
• familiarity with computer systems
• interest in cybersecurity careers
• participation in ICT short courses

Even self-study counts.

Important Competencies Required

Cybersecurity careers reward mindset as much as qualifications.

Strong candidates usually demonstrate:

• analytical thinking
• attention to detail
• problem-solving ability
• communication skills
• teamwork ability
• willingness to learn quickly
• professional discipline

These competencies are trainable.

Programme Duration and Structure

This is a 12-month structured learnership contract combining:

• Classroom learning
• Workplace experience
• Portfolio-of-evidence development
• Mentorship exposure
• Compliance training participation

Hybrid delivery includes:

• in-person sessions
• host-organisation workplace exposure
• limited online learning components

This ensures learners gain real operational understanding.

Monthly Stipend Support

Learners receive a monthly stipend aligned with:

MICT SETA guidelines.

Typical benefits include:

• transport support assistance
• learning participation support
• structured skills exposure
• recognised workplace experience

This allows learners to focus on training.

Employment Opportunities After Completion

Successful learners may progress into:

• Entry-level cybersecurity analyst roles
• IT support technician roles
• Security monitoring assistant positions
• Compliance documentation roles
• Governance support roles
• Freelance digital services

Many learners underestimate how powerful entry-level cybersecurity exposure is on a CV.

It opens doors across industries.

How to Apply Successfully

Strong applicants usually:

• Prepare a professional CV
• Highlight digital skills exposure
• Mention computer literacy clearly
• Show interest in cybersecurity
• Include any certificates (even short courses)
• Submit before deadline

APPLY FOR THE MANCOSA CYBERSECURITY LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

Cybersecurity is one of the strongest long-term career pathways available to South African youth today.

Even one year of structured exposure can change your employability trajectory.

Before applying:

• Update your CV
• Complete at least one free cybersecurity short course
• Learn basic networking concepts
• Understand cybersecurity fundamentals
• Research digital threats and protection basics
• Show commitment in your application

This improves selection probability significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need an IT qualification to apply?

No. Matric is sufficient.

However, digital exposure strengthens your application.

• Is this programme paid?

Yes. A stipend is provided according to MICTSETA guidelines.

• Is employment guaranteed after completion?

Not guaranteed. However:

High-performing learners are prioritised for placement.

• Is the programme online?

No. It follows a hybrid structure including: classroom learning; workplace exposure and limited online learning

• Can applicants outside Western Cape apply?

Preference is given to Western Cape residents.

However, eligible South African applicants may still apply.

• What careers can this lead to?

Possible pathways include:

• cybersecurity analyst support roles
• IT support technician roles
• digital compliance assistant roles
• security monitoring roles
• entry-level SOC roles

CLOSING DATE: 28 APRIL 2026

You can also:

• View latest Internships
• View latest Learnerships
• View Latest Bursaries
• View latest Government jobs
• View latest Company Vacancies
• View latest Municipality vacancies
• Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates

Disclaimers

This learnership is offered through training partners including MANCOSA and The Transcendance Group.

• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
• Preference may be given to Western Cape-based applicants.
• Placement after completion depends on learner performance and organisational vacancies.
• Applicants should always apply through official programme channels before the deadline.

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