Astute Tech Foundation programs
Our Programs

Six pathways to
digital empowerment.

From first contact with a laptop to an industry-recognised Microsoft certification — our programs meet people where they are and take them where they want to go.

Youth Program · Beginner

Digital Kickstart

The entry point. For young people who've never used a computer properly — or who've only ever had a smartphone. Digital Kickstart builds the foundation that everything else rests on.

Basic computer literacy — keyboard, mouse, file management, and navigating a desktop operating system

Internet & email — creating email accounts, safe browsing, online communication, and spotting scams

Online job searching — using PNet, Indeed, and Careers24 to find and apply for work

Digital citizenship — understanding your digital footprint, online safety, and responsible internet use

Ages 18–35 · No prior experience required · Free of charge
Digital Kickstart training
Youth Program · Intermediate

TechPath

The next step up. TechPath moves participants from basic literacy into the tools and skills that employers actually want — and that young entrepreneurs can immediately put to work.

Microsoft Office Suite — Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to a practical working standard

Google Workspace — Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, and Meet for modern collaborative work

Introduction to coding — HTML basics and Python fundamentals via freeCodeCamp and Microsoft Learn

Employment readiness — CV building, LinkedIn profile setup, and interview preparation

Ages 18–35 · Digital Kickstart or basic literacy required · Subsidised
TechPath training
Youth Program · Advanced

CertForward

Industry credentials that open real doors. CertForward prepares participants for globally recognised technology certifications — building a portfolio that speaks for itself in any job interview.

Microsoft Azure fundamentals — AZ-900 certification preparation through our Microsoft partnership

AI & Cybersecurity — AI-900 and SC-900 foundations, covering practical AI literacy and security awareness

CompTIA A+ — hardware, software, and troubleshooting fundamentals for IT support roles

Google IT Support Certificate — via Coursera, fully free for qualifying participants

Ages 18–35 · TechPath graduates preferred · Subsidised exam vouchers available
CertForward certification
Youth Program · Hands-On

RefurbLab

Real skills, built with real tools. RefurbLab trains participants in hardware repair and device refurbishment — creating employment pathways while directly supplying the community with working devices.

Hardware fundamentals — understanding components, safe disassembly, and fault diagnosis across laptops and desktops

Refurbishment workflow — cleaning, part replacement, OS installation, and quality assurance testing

Secure data destruction — proper methods for wiping drives before device redistribution

Employment pipeline — graduates may be absorbed into Astute Tech's own refurbishment operations

Ages 18–35 · No prior experience required · Free of charge
RefurbLab workshop
NPO Program · Digital Access

ConnectNPO

Designed specifically for NPOs and community organisations doing good work — but operating without the digital tools to do it at scale.

Device access — bulk refurbished laptops for qualifying registered NPOs at subsidised or zero cost

Digital setup — help getting email, Google Workspace for Nonprofits, and basic systems running from scratch

Staff digital training — basic digital skills sessions for NPO staff and volunteers

Ongoing IT support — access to our tech support line for participating NPO partners

Registered NPOs & community organisations · Apply via contact form
ConnectNPO program
Community · Environment

GreenTech

Old electronics don't belong in landfills. GreenTech creates a responsible, certified pathway for individuals, schools, and corporates to dispose of their e-waste while generating community benefit.

E-waste collection — drop-off and scheduled pickup for old laptops, desktops, phones, and peripherals

Secure data destruction — certified wiping for corporate and institutional devices before recycling

Corporate bulk recycling — structured programs for companies clearing IT equipment at end-of-life

Device-to-community pipeline — viable devices are refurbished via RefurbLab and redistributed locally

Corporates · Schools · Individuals · Free drop-off available
GreenTech e-waste

Powered by Microsoft

We've partnered with Microsoft to provide cutting-edge training and certification in Azure Cloud Skills, AI, and Cybersecurity — giving our learners credentials that matter globally.

Azure Cloud Skills

Cloud computing fundamentals, infrastructure management, and application deployment — one of the world's most in-demand platforms.

Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Start learning Azure free on Microsoft Learn →
Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
Azure Developer (AZ-204)
Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305)
Artificial Intelligence

AI and machine learning fundamentals, AI-powered solutions, and practical skills transforming every industry.

AI Fundamentals (AI-900)
Start learning AI free on Microsoft Learn →
Azure AI Engineer (AI-102)
Azure Data Scientist (DP-100)
Cybersecurity

Protect systems, networks, and data from threats — one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying career paths in South Africa and globally.

Security Fundamentals (SC-900)
Start learning Cybersecurity free on Microsoft Learn →
Security Associate (SC-200)
Identity & Access Administrator (SC-300)
Apply for a Certification Program
Microsoft partnership training event

Ready to join a program?

Whether you're a young person taking your first step into tech, or an NPO ready to go digital — we have a program for you.