MTHATHA – Engen has welcomed 15 young people from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to its 2026 ICT Learnership Programme, aimed at addressing youth unemployment and preparing participants for opportunities in a technology-driven economy.
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 to employment, further education and technology entrepreneurship.
The one-year programme commenced on 1 October, with 20 learners based in Durban, 15 in Mthatha, 15 in East London and 15 in Witbank.
The programme focuses on specialised ICT pathways, including cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The training seeks to bridge the gap between skills development and the capabilities needed to participate in the digital economy.
Building digital skills for the future
Engen Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager Olwethu Mdabula said the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Learnership Programme forms part of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP), launched in 2023 to equip young people with industry-relevant skills and create pathways into economic participation.
“Through the EGCDP, we aim to equip young people with the skills, confidence and workplace exposure needed to pursue careers in the ICT sector. Our objective is to contribute towards addressing unemployment by creating pathways not only into employment, but also into entrepreneurship and further education,” said Mdabula.
She added that 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 working environments.
Mdabula added that the programme uses a blended learning model combining digital learning, practical skills development and workplace exposure.
Participants are also introduced to the digital platforms and support systems they will use throughout the programme.
Preparing learners for workplace demands
Andiswa Mkhize, Engen Talent & Development Manager, said the programme provides learners with an opportunity to develop skills aligned with workplace demands.
“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.
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,” said Husha. “Through our collaboration with Engen, we aim to ensure that learners not only work towards achieving their qualifications but also develop the professional readiness needed to pursue career opportunities in the ICT sector.”
She said they looked forward to supporting the new cohort as they developed technical skills, gained workplace experience and prepared for opportunities within the digital economy.
Building on previous programme successes
The 2026 intake builds on outcomes from the programme’s earlier cohorts.
At a graduation in Durban in March 2026, 20 young people from the South Durban Basin completed nationally recognised qualifications in IT Technical Support (NQF Level 4) and IT Systems Development (NQF Level 5).
The programme has connected skills development with economic opportunities. Among the initial cohort, 30% of graduates secured permanent employment, 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.
Expanding access to ICT opportunities
Industry partners provide opportunities for learners to apply their technical knowledge, gain experience in 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. Of these, 25% 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 participate in the digital economy.
The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
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