The Generative AI Training Course is a skills development programme offered by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with Mentec. This initiative is designed to equip South African youth with practical and industry-relevant skills in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related digital technologies.
What Is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems capable of creating new content such as text, images, music, code, or video by learning patterns from large datasets.
Core Functions
- Text generation – Articles, reports, scripts, and code.
- Image generation – AI-created or AI-enhanced images.
- Music & audio generation – Sound design and composition.
- Video generation – Automated or AI-assisted video production.
How It Works
Generative AI models are trained on vast datasets to identify patterns and structures. After training, they can generate new outputs that resemble—but are not identical to—the data they were trained on.
Many systems rely on deep learning architectures such as:
- Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) – Two neural networks (generator and discriminator) competing to improve output quality.
- Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT.
- Image-generation systems like DALL-E and Midjourney.
Key Characteristics
- Creativity – Produces novel outputs.
- Scalability – Generates content at speed.
- Versatility – Applicable across industries (media, marketing, finance, healthcare, education).
Ethical Considerations in Generative AI
Applicants should understand the responsible use of AI, including:
- Copyright compliance – Training data may include protected material.
- Bias mitigation – AI systems can reflect societal biases.
- Misinformation risks – AI can generate convincing but false content.
Responsible AI practices are critical in modern digital careers.
Programme Overview
The NYDA Generative AI Training Course aims to:
- Develop practical AI and data-related skills.
- Improve youth employability in digital and technology sectors.
- Provide exposure to emerging AI tools and enterprise platforms.
- Strengthen foundational knowledge in data analytics and automation.
This programme targets unemployed or aspiring youth professionals interested in AI, data analytics, and digital transformation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must provide the following personal details:
- Full name and surname
- Valid South African ID number
- Age
- Race classification (as per application form categories)
- Gender
- Disability status
- Province and residential area
- Valid contact number and email address
The programme is open to applicants from all South African provinces, including:
- Mpumalanga
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Gauteng
- Northern Cape
- Eastern Cape
- Western Cape
- Free State
- Limpopo
- North West
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must upload the following (maximum 10 MB per file unless stated otherwise):
- Matric Certificate
- Tertiary Qualification (Diploma/Degree)
- Certified ID Copy
- Recent Photograph
- Proof of Residence
- Additional Data-Related Certifications (Optional but Advantageous)
- Microsoft Azure
- Power BI
- Data Analytics
- Data Mining
- Other relevant digital skills credentials
Uploading complete and legible documentation significantly improves application credibility.
How to Apply
Academic & Criminal Verification
As part of the recruitment and compliance process, Mentec will conduct:
- Academic qualification verification
- Criminal background screening
Applicants must provide formal consent for this process. Applications without consent may not proceed further.
Mandatory Pre-Application Requirement
All applicants must complete a free 20-minute online course from:
Accenture Skills 2 Succeed (S2S Academy)
- Registration Link: https://s2sacademy.co.za/register/02MEjb
- Access Code: 02MEjb
- After completion, email your certificate to: mentecnation@gmail.com
This requirement is compulsory. Failure to complete and submit the certificate may result in automatic disqualification.
About the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is a South African government agency established to advance youth development, economic participation, and skills empowerment across the country. It plays a strategic role in addressing youth unemployment by providing access to entrepreneurship funding, business support services, career guidance, education and skills training programmes.
Operating nationally, the NYDA partners with public and private sector institutions to create sustainable opportunities for young people aged 14–35. Its mandate focuses on improving employability, promoting enterprise development, and ensuring meaningful youth inclusion in South Africa’s economic growth.
