Engen has welcomed 50 young people to its 2026 ICT Learnership Programme, investing in crucial digital skills to help address youth unemployment and prepare participants for opportunities in a technology-driven economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
The one-year programme commenced on 1 October 2026, with 20 learners based in South Durban, 15 in uMthatha, East London and 15 in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Delivered in partnership with Dlama SS Investment Holdings, the initiative aims to equip unemployed young people with industry-relevant skills, practical workplace experience and pathways towards employment, further education and technology entrepreneurship.
The programme focuses on specialised ICT pathways, including Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). 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 ICT Learnership Programme forms part of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP), launched in 2023 to empower young people through industry-relevant skills development and create pathways into economic participation. The programme’s broader objective is to help address unemployment by investing in initiatives that enable young people not only to secure employment, but also to create employment through entrepreneurship, contributing to stronger and more self-sustaining communities.
“Through the EGCDP, we aim to equip young people with the skills, confidence and workplace exposure needed to pursue meaningful careers in the ICT sector,” said Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager.
“Ultimately, our objective is to contribute towards addressing unemployment by creating pathways not only into employment, but also into entrepreneurship and further education. By investing in young people and supporting their ability to create sustainable livelihoods, we want to encourage greater economic participation and help build self-sustaining communities.”
The one-year programme combines three months of classroom-based learning with nine months of practical workplace training, allowing learners to develop technical capabilities and apply their knowledge in real-world working environments.
Using a blended learning model that combines digital learning, practical skills development and workplace exposure, the programme prepares learners for the changing demands of the workplace. Participants are also introduced to the digital platforms and support systems they will use throughout their learning journey.
Andiswa Mkhize, Engen Talent & 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. 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,” said Mkhize.
“The programme provides learners with an opportunity to build their technical capabilities while developing the workplace skills and experience needed to enter the job market.”
Thando Husha, Communication & Projects Executive at Dlama SS Investment Holdings, said the renewed partnership with Engen enabled greater access to ICT skills development.
“Our role is to provide the structure, support and learning environment that enables participants to make the most of this opportunity. We recognise that every learner brings unique potential, and we are committed to creating an environment in which that potential can be developed through structured learning, practical application and continuous support. Through our collaboration with Engen, we aim to ensure that learners not only work towards achieving their qualifications but also develop the mindset, resilience and professional readiness needed to pursue sustainable career opportunities in the ICT sector.” said Husha.
“We are excited to see this new cohort begin their journey and to support them as they develop technical skills, gain workplace experience and prepare for opportunities within the digital economy.”
The 2026 intake builds on encouraging outcomes from the programme’s earlier cohorts. At a graduation ceremony in Durban in March 2026, Engen celebrated 20 young people from the South Durban Basin who had completed nationally recognised qualifications in IT Technical Support (NQF Level 4) and IT Systems Development (NQF Level 5).
The programme has demonstrated progress in connecting skills development with economic opportunities. Among the initial cohort, 30% of graduates secured permanent employment opportunities, with 22% retained in permanent employment. A further 37% progressed to further studies, while 7% launched small technology enterprises. Another 33% remained in an active employment placement pipeline, supported by ongoing engagement with employers across the ICT sector.
The programme’s work-integrated learning model is central to these outcomes, with approximately 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.
Building on the pilot programme in Durban, the initiative expanded across KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo during the 2025/2026 programme cycle, with 31 learners enrolled. Encouragingly, 25% of learners were identified for potential full-time employment through their workplace training hosts.
By expanding access to specialised ICT training and strengthening links with industry, Engen aims to help more young people develop the capabilities and experience needed to participate in the digital economy, while supporting pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and further education.
The initiative supports Engen’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Engen wishes the 2026 learners every success as they begin their ICT learning journey and take the next step towards building careers, pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities and contributing to South Africa’s economic development.
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