Youth Skills Development Programme 2026: Practical Training Pathways for Unemployed Youth

The Youth Skills Development Programme 2026 provides unemployed South African youth with practical skills training, work readiness support, and access to internships across hospitality, beauty, retail, and creative industries.

Youth Skills Development Programme 2026

Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges. In the first quarter of 2024, unemployment among young people aged 15 to 34 stood at 46 percent, highlighting a widening gap between education, skills, and access to meaningful work.

In response to this reality, the AM Foundation runs a Youth Skills Development Programme aimed at empowering school leavers and unemployed youth from disadvantaged communities. The programme focuses on practical, job-ready skills that prepare participants for employment, further study, or entrepreneurship.

The programme is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who are motivated to improve their employability and build sustainable career pathways.

Programme Overview

The Youth Skills Development Programme is a three-month, full-time training initiative designed to equip participants with hands-on skills and real workplace exposure. The programme combines technical training, soft skills development, and career readiness support to ensure participants are prepared for the demands of the labour market.

Training is delivered through structured practical sessions, supported learning environments, and industry-linked opportunities that connect learners with potential employers.

Skills Areas Offered

Participants may apply for training in one of the following focus areas.

Hospitality Skills Training

The hospitality stream introduces learners to essential kitchen, culinary, and general hospitality skills. Training includes basic cooking, baking, food handling, and workplace practices relevant to hotels, restaurants, and catering environments.

Facilitators also assist learners in identifying entry-level hospitality roles and link successful participants with employers seeking trained candidates.

Beauty and Wellness Training

The beauty and wellness stream focuses on practical skills required for entry-level roles or small business development in the beauty sector. Learners receive training in areas such as massage techniques, nail care, eyelash application, and general wellness services.

This pathway supports participants who wish to seek employment or explore self-employment opportunities within the beauty industry.

Sewing, Craft and Design

This stream develops sewing and creative production skills. Participants are encouraged to explore their creativity while producing quality, market-ready products.

The programme supports learners interested in starting small creative businesses or pursuing employment in design, craft, or retail-focused creative environments.

Retail Readiness Training

Retail readiness training prepares participants for work in supermarkets, shops, and other retail environments. Learners are introduced to customer service principles, basic retail operations, and workplace expectations within the retail sector.

This stream is particularly suited to participants seeking quick entry into the job market through retail employment.

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Soft Skills and Work Readiness Training

All participants, regardless of their technical focus area, receive comprehensive soft skills training. These skills are essential for long-term workplace success and include:

Basic numeracy and literacy
Conversational English
CV preparation and interview skills
Workplace etiquette and professional behaviour
Ethics and personal responsibility

Soft skills training is delivered during orientation and reinforced throughout the programme to ensure participants are confident, prepared, and employable.

Internships and Employment Exposure

Participants may be granted opportunities for internships or employment exposure with partner organisations. Past and current employer partners include hospitality groups, trusts, and industry institutions operating in tourism, retail, and service sectors.

These placements provide learners with real-world experience and improve their chances of securing employment after completing the programme.

Career Pathways and Long-Term Impact

By equipping young people with practical skills and workplace readiness, the programme aims to connect participants with broader development opportunities. These include:

Employment opportunities
Further study pathways
Entrepreneurial support
Industry-linked career development

The programme’s long-term goal is to break the cycle of unemployment by linking trained youth with sustainable career and business opportunities.

Who Should Apply

The programme is suitable for:

Unemployed youth aged 18 to 35
School leavers seeking practical skills
Young people from disadvantaged communities
Applicants interested in employment, internships, or self-employment
Individuals motivated to commit to a three-month skills programme

No prior experience is required, depending on the chosen skills area.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the official application form.

Fill Application Form here

Applicants are required to provide personal details, select a preferred skills area, and upload supporting documents.

Documents Required

Applicants must upload the following:

Updated CV
Certified copy of South African ID
Educational certificates or latest school report
Character references

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Conclusion

The Youth Skills Development Programme 2026 offers a practical and accessible pathway for unemployed youth to gain relevant skills, workplace exposure, and confidence. By combining technical training with essential soft skills and industry connections, the programme supports young South Africans in taking meaningful steps toward employment, entrepreneurship, or further development.

For youth seeking a structured opportunity to build skills and improve their future prospects, this programme represents a valuable starting point.