When most people think about IT learnerships, they imagine coding bootcamps, cybersecurity labs, or cloud computing certifications, and while these technical skills are crucial to launching a successful career in South Africa’s growing digital economy, they’re only part of the equation. Increasingly, it’s the non-technical competencies like emotional intelligence, effective communication, leadership and collaboration, that determine whether a young professional will thrive in the workplace.
As a leading provider of accredited IT learnerships in South Africa, Torque IT’s team knows that our job isn’t just teaching young people how to install networks or write code; we are also passionate about preparing our youth to succeed in a modern workplace where digital skills are only as valuable as the professional behaviours that support them. These learnerships are designed to deliver job-ready graduates who are confident, adaptable team players that can communicate, take initiative, and grow into future leaders.
In an economy marked by high youth unemployment and digital skills shortages, Torque IT’s approach is helping to bridge both gaps at once.
The real differentiator in South Africa’s IT market
South Africa’s ICT sector continues to grow, offering employment opportunities that didn’t exist a decade ago. However, while the need for digital skills is clear, employers are also voicing concern about a different kind of gap: workplace readiness. According to the World Bank and local business forums, one of the top reasons companies hesitate to hire youth is the perceived lack of professional maturity and soft skills. These include communication, reliability, teamwork, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence — all traits that can be underdeveloped in candidates with limited real-world exposure.
One of the most overlooked realities in IT careers is that success rarely depends on technical skill alone. For example, a cybersecurity analyst must not only detect threats and analyse data, but also present findings to non-technical stakeholders. A cloud engineer may have to explain infrastructure changes to a finance team. An app developer might need to work closely with designers, marketers, and product owners. In each of these scenarios, communication and collaboration matter just as much as code.
That’s why Torque-IT prioritises the development of well-rounded IT professionals. Every learnership includes job-readiness training focused on real-world behaviours: punctuality, personal presentation, work ethic, goal-setting, and accountability. Learners also receive coaching on workplace conflict management, how to take feedback constructively, and how to build emotional intelligence, which is a vital skill in high-stress environments.
Learners are exposed to projects that require teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, giving them the chance to practise these competencies in supportive environments. The goal is not just to prepare learners for a first job, but to equip them with the foundation for a long-term, evolving career.
Leadership training that starts early
Another key strength of Torque IT’s approach is our focus on developing leadership potential early. Many learnerships in South Africa focus purely on compliance or technical skills, with limited support for future growth. We take a different view: the future of the South African workforce depends on young people who can lead, mentor, and innovate, not just follow instructions.
Learners are encouraged to take initiative, mentor their peers, and reflect on their own strengths and areas for improvement. Facilitators and corporate partners play an active role in modelling leadership behaviours, giving learners access to role models who demonstrate how to lead with integrity, collaboration and vision.
Importantly, Torque IT also creates space for learners to explore their own aspirations. Through one-on-one coaching and career planning, participants begin to see themselves as future supervisors, managers, and entrepreneurs in the tech sector. This early exposure to leadership concepts helps build ambition, self-awareness, and the ability to step into responsibility with purpose — all crucial traits in a sector where career trajectories are fast-moving and often self-driven.
Digital skills need a human edge
The future of work is digital — but it’s also deeply human. As technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation reshape economies, they are also changing what it means to be employable. Routine tasks are being taken over by machines, while human-centric skills — creativity, empathy, adaptability — are becoming more valuable.
Torque IT’s learnerships are designed with this future in mind. Programmes are regularly updated to reflect the evolving digital landscape, ensuring that learners are trained on relevant technologies. More than that though, Torque IT helps learners understand the context in which these technologies are used: in businesses, with people, in teams, and for outcomes that go beyond the technical.
This is particularly important in South Africa, where the digital divide remains a significant barrier to inclusive growth. By equipping young people with both IT credentials and a full suite of workplace behaviours, Torque IT is helping build a generation of professionals who can contribute meaningfully to our country’s digital economy and benefit from it.
Ultimately, it’s about balance. You can’t build a sustainable IT career with technical skills alone, and you can’t succeed in a professional environment without understanding the human side of work. Torque IT’s learnerships offer a rare blend of both.
Learn more and apply
If you’re ready to start your IT career with more than just a certificate, if you want to build confidence, professional polish, and the skills that employers truly value, Torque-IT’s learnerships may be your best next step. These programmes are designed not just to train, but to transform.
Explore your options at https://torque-it.com/learnerships/
FAQs
What soft skills are developed in a Torque IT learnership?
Torque IT learnerships are designed to build a range of workplace-ready soft skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Learners also develop leadership behaviours, problem-solving capabilities, and professional etiquette, helping them operate confidently in diverse business environments.
Why do soft skills matter in tech careers?
Soft skills are essential in tech careers because technical solutions rarely exist in isolation. Professionals need to communicate with clients and colleagues, collaborate across departments, manage deadlines, and present ideas clearly. Without these interpersonal and behavioural skills, even the most talented tech experts may struggle to contribute meaningfully in real-world projects or leadership roles.
How are soft skills taught during the program?
Soft skills are taught through a mix of classroom-based modules, workplace simulations, mentorship, and real-world exposure during the learnership. Learners engage in team projects, role-playing exercises, feedback sessions, and one-on-one coaching to practise communication, initiative, and professional conduct in a supportive environment that mirrors workplace expectations.
Can soft skills help me get hired?
Absolutely. Employers consistently rank soft skills as a critical factor in hiring decisions. While technical proficiency may get your foot in the door, soft skills are what make you stand out. Being able to communicate clearly, solve problems effectively, and work well in a team shows potential employers that you’re not just technically capable but ready to thrive in a modern business setting.
