15 eMalahleni youths join 2026 ICT learnership programme
Hands-on workplace experience and cybersecurity training offer unemployed youth a direct pathway into the digital economy.
Engen’s 2026 ICT Learnership Programme has welcomed 15 young people from eMalahleni.
The initiative aims to equip unemployed youth with industry-relevant skills, practical workplace experience and pathways towards employment, further education and technology entrepreneurship.
Training targets high-demand ICT skills
The programme focuses on specialised ICT pathways, including cybersecurity and the Internet of Things.
As businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies, demand for relevant technical skills continues to shape the changing world of work. By providing training in these fields, the programme seeks to help bridge the gap between skills development and the capabilities needed to participate in the digital economy.
The programme’s work-integrated learning model is central to these outcomes, with close to 70% of training taking place through practical workplace exposure. Industry partners provide opportunities for learners to apply their technical knowledge, gain experience in real ICT environments and build connections that can support their transition into employment or entrepreneurship.
Initiative expands to KZN and Limpopo
Building on the pilot programme in Durban, the initiative expanded across KZN and Limpopo during the 2025/26 programme cycle, with 31 learners enrolled. Encouragingly, 25% of learners were identified for potential full-time employment through their workplace training hosts.
Andiswa Mkhize, the petroleum company’s talent and development manager, said the programme provides learners with an opportunity to develop skills aligned with the changing demands of the workplace.
“Technology is transforming the way businesses operate and creating new opportunities across industries,” Mkhize said.“It is therefore important that young people are equipped with relevant digital skills and practical experience that can help them navigate the changing world of work.”
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— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) October 19, 2026
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