By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Cameroon government, through the Secondary Education and Skills Development Project (SESDP), has launched a call for applications to select 1,000 young Cameroonians to receive fully funded training vouchers. The announcement was made during a press conference in Yaoundé on June 1, coordinated by the project’s General Coordinator, Sophie Mbenoun.
Speaking to journalists, Sophie Mbenoun explained that the innovative voucher scheme is designed to fully finance short-term certified vocational training for young people aged 15 to 35. According to Mbenoun, “the initiative aims to tackle youth employment and underemployment, the mismatch between training and available jobs, and the growing demand for technical and digital skills.”
Given that the training will take place at accredited private training centers selected by the project, Mbenoun stressed that the vouchers will cover registration fees, tuition, certification assessments, and selected training kits and equipment depending on the sector.
She added that the training durations range from three to six months. Programs will focus on digital technology, cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, networking, industrial welding, and technical construction trades, among others.
To be eligible, Mbenoun said applicants must be Cameroonian nationals aged 15 to 35 for digital technology and welding, or 18 to 40 for heavy construction equipment operation. Candidates must be of sound mental capacity, physically fit for their chosen trade, and hold at least the required qualification, which may include a Vocational Aptitude Certificate, GCE O Level, Vocational Qualification Certificate, Vocational Qualification Diploma, GCE A Level, GCE A Level plus two, or other applicable credentials.
Mbenoun was precise about the registration process, stating that applications are only accepted via the online platform https://padesce.cm/mcdc no later than June 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
According to her, selection will be automatic on the digital platform based on set criteria, though special consideration will be given to young people with relevant work experience in their chosen profession. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and young people can visit the website for detailed profile requirements.
The SESDP is a government initiative set up with support from the World Bank. Structured around four components, its goal is to improve equitable access to quality secondary education and market-oriented technical and vocational training, with a particular focus on girls.
The project pays special attention to vulnerable girls and other disadvantaged learners in areas with low schooling levels, as well as internally displaced or refugee learners in the North West and South West regions.
Beyond the training voucher scheme, the SESDP is also concerned with improving infrastructure in technical and vocational training establishments. This includes the rehabilitation and construction of workshops, classrooms, and administrative buildings to create a conducive learning environment.
In addition, the project focuses on enhancing the skills of professionals working in small and medium-sized enterprises, small and medium-sized industries, social economy structures, and craft enterprises.
This is achieved through tailored training programmes designed to meet the specific demands of the job market, ensuring that both young entrants and existing workers can acquire practical, relevant competencies that boost employability and productivity.
