AI Skills

YES Microsoft AI Skills Initiative

The future of work is digital, and you deserve a head start.

YES (Youth Employment Service) and Microsoft are partnering to offer 50,000 free Microsoft certification exam vouchers to empower young South Africans with future-fit digital skills. With AI, data, cybersecurity, and productivity tools reshaping industries, globally recognised certifications can give you a real edge in today’s job market.

What’s Included?

You’ll get free access to:

A self-paced Microsoft certification training path
A practice assessment to prove your readiness
A Microsoft certification exam voucher (if eligible)
An invitation to YES Microsoft Skilling Day events (see below)

Why Get Microsoft Certified?

Stand out in South Africa’s competitive tech job market
Boost your earning potential with industry-relevant IT skills
Future-proof your career with certifications recognized worldwide

Introducing: YES Microsoft AI Skilling Days

As part of this groundbreaking initiative, YES and Microsoft will host AI Skilling Day events. These events are more than training; they’re high-impact, in-person experiences designed to build awareness and momentum around the digital future of work.

How to Apply for a Certification Voucher

To apply for your free Microsoft certification voucher, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Register for the Programme
Complete the registration

Important: You’ll need to create a free Microsoft Learn account to access your training and track your progress. Simply use your email address to sign up here , and you're ready to begin your AI learning journey.

STEP 2: Apply for a Voucher Verification

Once you’ve completed your Microsoft Learn training and scored 80% or higher on the practice assessment- then apply for your free voucher

STEP 3: Wait for Confirmation

The YES team will review your submission and confirm if you qualify for a voucher. Once verified, you’ll receive access to your free exam voucher.

Certification Options

Foundational Certifications

Beginner friendly, basic computer literacy required:

Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
Azure AI Fundamentals
Azure Fundamentals
Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals
Azure Data Fundamentals

Advanced Certifications

Ideal for those with a technical background looking to specialise:

Azure AI Engineer Associate
Azure Data Scientist Associate
Azure Security Engineer Associate

Who Should Apply?

These certifications are for young South Africans who already have basic digital fluency or technical experience. You’ll take a practice assessment to determine your readiness, this is for voucher eligibility only and does not impact your final exam.

Let’s Reshape South Africa’s Digital Future

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YES Microsoft AI Skills Initiative

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