In a powerful partnership between the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, a brand-new, fully funded Youth Skills Programme has officially opened registrations from 8 – 11 December 2025. This programme is designed to empower out-of-school and unemployed youth with real skills that employers are actively searching for—and it’s completely FREE!
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If you’ve been looking for a chance to skill up, get certified and dramatically improve your employability, this is one opportunity you truly cannot afford to miss.
Quick Overview
| Programme Name | Youth Skills Programme |
| Partners | Department of Social Development (DSD) & Sci-Bono Discovery Centre |
| Registration Dates | 8 – 11 December 2025 |
| Time | 09h30 – 14h00 |
| Venue | Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (BHP Entrance), Johannesburg |
| Cost | FREE |
| Target Group | Youth aged 18 – 35, unemployed or out of school |
| Programmes Offered | 1. Foundational Employability Skills 2. Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis Basics 3. Networking Specialist |
| Total Intake | 420 (320 ladies & 100 gents) |
| Proof of Residence | Must live in Johannesburg |
| More Info Email | nyiko.sirinda@sci-bono.co.za |
About Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, based in Newtown, Johannesburg, is one of Africa’s largest and most respected science and technology education centres. Their mission is to empower youth with hands-on learning, digital literacy, practical skills, and career-changing opportunities. Sci-Bono works closely with government, industry, and SETAs to deliver programmes that prepare young people for real jobs in the digital, technical, and STEM sectors.
The organisation has a long track record of running youth empowerment training, skills development initiatives, ICT programmes, and career guidance services that help South African youth transition into gainful employment.
This partnership with the Department of Social Development is a direct response to the growing need for digital skills, entry-level employability, and work readiness for youth in South Africa.
Why This Programme Matters
South Africa continues to face extremely high youth unemployment. Many young people have the drive and talent but lack one thing employers always require: practical work-ready skills.
This programme fills that gap by offering:
- Industry-relevant digital skills
- Real-world computer and networking concepts
- Practical employability training
- Certification opportunities
- Support for out-of-school and unemployed youth
- A FREE pathway to job readiness
Every module—whether employability, Microsoft Office, data analysis or networking—aligns with what companies, NGOs, and government departments are looking for.
When you complete this programme, your CV instantly becomes stronger, more competitive and more attractive to employers.
Programmes Offered (Detailed Breakdown)
1) Foundational Employability Skills Programme
Perfect for out-of-school youth who want to develop the basics needed to successfully enter the job market.
You will learn:
- Communication & teamwork
- Professional behaviour in the workplace
- Problem-solving and workplace etiquette
- Basic computer usage
- CV development & interview preparation
Minimum Requirement: Grade 10 with English
Target: Out-of-school youth
This programme helps you build confidence and equips you with the skills employers expect from entry-level candidates.
2) Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis Basics
If you want to work in an office, corporate environment, government department, NGO or admin role—this is the programme for you.
You will learn:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint at specialist level
- Spreadsheet fundamentals
- Data analysis and interpretation basics
- Digital workplace tools & productivity applications
Minimum Requirement: Grade 12 English (pass)
Target: Unemployed youth
This certification is recognised across South Africa and improves employability in:
- Admin roles
- Data capturing
- Office assistance
- Clerical work
- Customer service
- Retail office operations
- NGO project admin
3) Networking Specialist Programme
This is a more technical option for youth who want to enter the world of IT, networking, and infrastructure support.
Training covers:
- Networking fundamentals
- Hardware & software basics
- Internet technologies
- Digital connectivity
- Intro to IT support & infrastructure
Minimum Requirements:
- Grade 12 English (pass)
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy (minimum 40%)
Great foundation for careers in:
- IT support
- Cabling
- Network maintenance
- Helpdesk operations
- Call centre tech support
Programme Requirements (What You Must Bring)
To register, bring the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 10 statement of results
- Grade 12 statement of results
- Proof of residence in Johannesburg
- Must be 18–35 years old
Programme intake:
- 320 ladies
- 100 gents
Total: 420 young people
How To Register
Registration happens in person:
- Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (BHP Entrance)
- 8 – 11 December 2025
- 09h30 – 14h00 daily
First come, first served — arrive early!
DOWNLOAD THE SCI BONO DISCOVERY CENTRE PROGRAMME DETAILS HERE
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice
If you want to turn your life around, this is one of the most valuable free opportunities you’ll find in Johannesburg.
Here’s how to maximise it:
- Bring all your documents in a neat file
- Dress cleanly and confidently
- Arrive early—preferably before 08h00
- Choose a stream that aligns with your long-term career
- After training, immediately build your CV using the Edupstairs tools
- Keep applying for internships and learnerships — consistency wins!
This is your chance to step into the digital economy. Grab it with both hands.
Career Growth Path After This Programme
Depending on your chosen stream, your career pathway could look like this:
Foundational Employability Skills
- Entry-level internship
- Admin assistant
- Customer service roles
- Retail positions
- Call centre agent
- HR/Office Support roles
Microsoft Office Specialist & Data Analysis
- Data Capturer
- Office Administrator
- Junior Data Analyst (after further training)
- Reception/Admin Coordinator
- Project Assistant
Networking Specialist
- IT Technician
- Network Support Assistant
- Helpdesk/Service Desk Agent
- IT Infrastructure Apprentice
- Field Support Technician
This programme can also open doors to SETAs, TVET Colleges, ICT learnerships, Digital Skills programmes, YES Programme opportunities and EPWP tech placements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Youth Skills Programme really free?
Yes! The programme is fully funded by DSD and Sci-Bono.
- Do I need previous computer knowledge?
No. All three streams start at beginner-friendly levels.
- Must I live in Johannesburg?
Yes. Proof of residence is required.
- Can I apply if I’m still in school?
No, the programme is only for out-of-school or unemployed youth aged 18–35.
- Will I get a certificate?
Yes—participants will receive certificates depending on the programme completed.
- Will Sci-Bono help me find a job after training?
While job placement is not guaranteed, Sci-Bono often works with recruitment partners and SETAs.
- Can I register online?
No. Registration is strictly in-person.
- What time should I arrive?
Early! Spaces are limited and demand is high.
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
- Edupstairs is not the official organiser of this programme.
- Information is based on the official Sci-Bono poster.
- Always verify final details with Sci-Bono at nyiko.sirinda@sci-bono.co.za.
- Registration operates on a first come, first served basis.
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. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE
