Vodacom Foundation ICT Skills Development Learnership Programme 2026 (Nationwide)

The Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026 offered by the Vodacom Foundation is one of the most practical entry-level ICT skills development opportunities currently available for unemployed South African youth. If you are between the ages of 18 and 34 and interested in building a career in technology, connectivity support, systems installation, or digital infrastructure, this programme provides a structured pathway into the ICT sector with a stipend included.

Importantly, the programme is designed specifically for young people from disadvantaged communities living near Vodacom ICT Centres across several provinces. That makes it especially relevant for many Edupstairs readers who are actively searching for funded training opportunities that lead to employability in the digital economy.

Quick Overview

Programme: Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026
Organisation: Vodacom Foundation
Programme Type: ICT Skills Learnership
Duration: 12 months
Contract Type: Fixed-term learnership contract
Stipend: Provided (amount not specified)
Closing Date: 4 May 2026 at 14:00
Eligibility Age: 18 – 34 years
Minimum Qualification: Matric with specific subjects
Application Method: Email CV submission or physical submission at ICT Centres
Email Address: youthacademyrecruit@vodacom.co.za
Target Group: Youth from disadvantaged communities near Vodacom ICT Centres

What the Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026 Offers

The programme prepares learners to support real-world ICT environments after training. Participants gain exposure to technical and support roles commonly required in workplaces such as schools, municipalities, businesses, and community connectivity hubs.

According to the official programme outline, learners may assist with:

installation of IT equipment
system analysis support tasks
database design basics
troubleshooting computer systems
connectivity support services

These are practical, job-relevant technical competencies that significantly improve employability prospects in entry-level ICT support roles.

Even more importantly, learners receive a stipend during the programme period, reducing the financial barrier to participating in full-time training.

Programme Duration and Structure

The Youth Academy IT Learnership runs for:

12 months (fixed-term contract)

During this time, participants complete structured training and gain workplace-aligned experience. The programme is not purely classroom-based. It combines:

technical instruction
practical exposure
community ICT support experience
applied troubleshooting tasks

This blended model helps learners transition more easily into employment after completion.

Youth Academy IT Learnership 2026 Selection Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to qualify.

Minimum Academic Requirements

You must have a Matric certificate with:

English (First or Second Language)
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy
Business Studies
Physical Science

These subjects support the technical nature of the programme.

Employment Status Requirements

Applicants must:

be unemployed
not currently receiving another bursary
not currently receiving financial assistance during the same year
not have received similar ICT training before

This ensures the opportunity reaches first-time beneficiaries.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be: between 18 and 34 years old

This aligns with national youth development programme definitions.

Residency Requirements

Applicants must:

live within the radius of a Vodacom ICT Centre
be South African citizens
have a valid South African ID

Socio-Economic Requirements

Applicants must:

come from disadvantaged backgrounds
attend Quintile 1–3 schools

Applicants who do not disclose their school information may be disqualified.

This requirement ensures the programme supports youth with limited access to technology opportunities.

Vodacom ICT Centre Locations Accepting Applications

Applicants must reside near one of the participating centres listed below.

Gauteng

Atteridgeville Leshemong TPC

Location:
Corner of Marabastad and Ncabeleng
Atteridgeville Extension 9
Mokiri Streets
Orlando East
Soweto

North West

Ganyesa Post Office Drive

Ganyesa Village

Mpumalanga

Vezubuhle High School

Wetrade Street
Badplaas Avenue
Emalahleni

Eastern Cape

Lady Frere ICT Resource Centre

147 Faku Street
Lady Frere

KwaZulu-Natal

Umbumbulu Berea

78–80 Bartle Road
Umbilo

Limpopo

Makgato CPD Centre

Biba
Dzanan

Free State

Moutloatsi Primary School

Selosesha Unit 1
Thaba Nchu

Northern Cape

Kimberley Teacher Centre

C.N. Boshoff 6 Cricket Street
Lanyon Terrace
Belgravia

If you live close to one of these centres, your application becomes significantly stronger.

How to Apply

Applicants may submit applications in two ways.

Option 1: Email Application

Send your CV to: youthacademyrecruit@vodacom.co.za

Option 2: Physical Submission

Submit your CV at the nearest Vodacom ICT Centre between:

10:00 and 14:00 daily

Application Deadline

Closing date: 4 May 2026 at 14:00

Late applications will not be accepted.

Apply early to avoid missing this opportunity.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying

To improve your chances of selection, prepare the following:

Updated CV
Certified copy of South African ID
Certified Matric certificate
Proof of residence
Proof of school quintile status if available

Having these ready speeds up processing and shows professionalism.

Who Should Apply Immediately

This programme is ideal if you are:

unemployed
interested in technology careers
living near an ICT Centre
from a Quintile 1–3 school background
between ages 18 and 34
not previously funded through another bursary this year

It is especially valuable if you plan to apply later for:

ICT internships
digital learnerships
telecommunications training programmes
government digital skills initiatives

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

This is a competitive community-based skills programme. Selection often considers motivation and readiness as much as academic background.

To strengthen your application:

include a short motivation paragraph in your CV email
highlight any school computer exposure
mention volunteering experience if available
apply early before closing date pressure increases
confirm your nearest ICT centre clearly in your application

Also consider applying simultaneously for other ICT opportunities listed on Edupstairs to increase your chances of entering the digital skills pipeline in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Youth Academy IT Learnership paid?

Yes. Learners receive a stipend during the programme period.

Do I need prior IT experience?

No. The programme is designed for beginners with Matric-level subject exposure.

Can I apply if I studied Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics?

Yes. Mathematical Literacy is accepted.

Can students currently studying apply?

No. Applicants must be unemployed and not receiving financial assistance.

Can I apply if I live far from an ICT Centre?

No. Applicants must live within the centre’s operational radius.

Will I get a permanent job after completion?

Employment is not guaranteed, but the programme improves employability significantly.

CLOSING DATE: 04 MAY 2026

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Disclaimer

Edupstairs shares verified opportunity information to support youth access to employment and training pathways. We are not the recruiting organisation. Applicants must apply directly through Vodacom Foundation using the official application channels provided above.

Never pay money to apply for learnership opportunities.

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