Our programme exists to unlock overlooked potential and turn it into meaningful employment. We do this by finding promising young South Africans, assessing their readiness, preparing them with practical digital and workplace skills, and connecting them to employers who believe in growing talent through real opportunity, support, and structured exposure.
Four phases. One clear path to employment.
Foundation
Three-part Entry Signal Assessment covering cognitive readiness, a behavioural screener, and an AI-scored voice baseline. Entry is based on ability — not qualifications. Every application is reviewed by Academy staff before a place is offered.
Skills
Six SFIA Level 2 digital competency modules — each assessed through applied tasks. Pass all six to earn your SFIA L2 certificate.
Trial Shift
A working interview with a real employer. Real tasks, real environment — your gateway to Work Integrated Learning.
Work & Employment
Typically 3–5 months embedded inside a real employer — mentored, evidenced, and verified. You exit with a job, SFIA Level 3 on your profile, and a verified digital credential with a unique assertion record.
Full 6-stage pathway, skill outcomes, eligibility criteria, and employer framework — all in one document.
Three steps to get started
Create a free account
Register as a Shifter on ShiftMate. It only takes a few minutes and is completely free. You'll need a South African phone number to verify your account via OTP.
Register now →Submit your application
Once registered and signed in, come back here and click Apply. You'll answer a few questions about yourself — takes about 5 minutes.
We review and respond
Our team reviews every application personally. You'll receive an SMS within 1–2 business days letting you know whether your place has been confirmed.
Applications are currently closed. Leave your number in the card above and we will SMS you the moment the next cohort opens — then follow these three steps.
The 6 skills you'll build.
Each skill is taught, practiced, and assessed through a four-stage process — micro-lesson, knowledge check, applied tasks, and a workplace scenario. You must pass all six to earn your SFIA Level 2 certificate.
SFIA Level 2 is the entry point for roles in contact centres, BPO, IT helpdesks, and digital operations. Level 3 — what you target during WIL — is the standard that leads to permanent employment and team lead conversations. Your credential includes a unique assertion record tied to the evidence from your WIL placement.
Who this programme is for.
No matric required. No prior experience needed. Entry is based entirely on how you perform in the ShiftMate readiness assessment — not your academic history.
Apply now — it's free.
Our team reviews every application personally and responds within 1–2 business days.