Engen Bets on 50 Young ICT Learners as Jobs Pipeline Test

Engen has enrolled 50 unemployed young people in its 2026 ICT Learnership Programme, a one-year initiative that started on 1 October 2026 across three sites: 20 learners in South Durban, 15 in uMthatha, East London, and 15 in Witbank, Mpumalanga. The fuel company frames the investment as a response to youth unemployment and an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

The programme trains participants in two specialised pathways: Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). Engen delivers it in partnership with Dlama SS Investment Holdings. The company has not disclosed the rand value of the investment — a notable omission for a programme it presents as central to its social investment strategy.

What does the programme actually involve?

The structure is fixed: three months of classroom-based learning, then nine months of practical workplace training. A blended model combines digital learning, practical skills development and workplace exposure. Participants also get access to the digital platforms and support systems they will use throughout the year.

"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. The learnership sits under the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP), launched in 2023.

Andiswa Mkhize, Engen Talent & Development Manager, argued the training matches how work is changing. "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.

Roughly 70% of training takes place through practical workplace exposure, where industry partners host learners. That work-integrated design is what Engen credits for its placement outcomes — and it is the metric by which the programme should be judged.

Do the numbers justify the expansion?

Engen says they do. At a graduation ceremony 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).

Among that initial cohort, 30% of graduates secured permanent employment, though only 22% were retained in permanent roles. A further 37% progressed to further studies, and 7% launched small technology enterprises. Another 33% remained in an active employment placement pipeline. Some graduates fall into multiple categories, and the company provides no data on salaries, job quality or retention beyond the initial placement — the difference between a learnership and a career.

The pilot in Durban scaled to KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo during the 2025/2026 cycle, enrolling 31 learners. Of those, 25% were identified for potential full-time employment through their workplace training hosts. "Identified for potential" employment is not employment; Engen has not said how many converted into actual jobs.

What is the partner's role?

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," said Husha.

"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," Husha added.

For context on scale: 50 learners a year is a fraction of South Africa's unemployed youth population, and Engen positions the programme as a pathway model rather than a mass intervention.

What comes next?

Engen links the initiative to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. Mdabula said the objective extends beyond employment into entrepreneurship and further education, with the aim of building "self-sustaining communities."

The 2026 cohort's results — retention rates, conversions to permanent jobs and startup survival — will show whether the expansion to East London and Mpumalanga replicates Durban's outcomes or dilutes them.