The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP), in partnership with We Invest Africa (Pty) Ltd, is opening doors for unemployed South Africans to take part in transformative learnerships and skills programmes for 2025/2026. This initiative is designed to equip participants with knowledge, hands-on training, and industry-recognised qualifications that will make them job-ready or empower them to start their own businesses.
About the UIF Labour Activation Programme
The UIF LAP was created to combat unemployment in South Africa by providing structured learning opportunities in sectors that drive economic growth. Through a partnership with We Invest Africa, the programme aims to enrol 30 unemployed individuals per programme, each running for 12 months and combining theoretical study with practical workplace training.
These programmes are targeted at addressing skills shortages in key fields such as agriculture, construction, environmental practices, ICT, and entrepreneurship.
Learnership Opportunities
The learnerships are SAQA-accredited and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. They combine classroom-based instruction with workplace learning to give participants both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Available qualifications include:
- National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems — NQF Level 2
- National Certificate: Plant Production — NQF Level 3
- National Certificate: Landscaping — NQF Level 2
- National Certificate: Animal Production — NQF Level 2
- National Certificate: Construction Roadworks — NQF Level 3
- National Certificate: Building Health and Safety — NQF Level 3
- National Certificate: Building a Community House — NQF Level 2
- National Certificate: Process Control for Water and Wastewater — NQF Level 3
These qualifications not only enhance employability but also build entrepreneurial capacity in high-demand industries.
Skills Programmes
In addition to the learnerships, UIF LAP offers shorter skills programmes for participants who want focused training in specific areas. These programmes provide practical, industry-relevant skills that can lead to immediate employment or self-employment.
Available skills programmes include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional Driving
- Poultry Farming and Horticulture
- Construction Health and Safety
- Plumbing and Bricklaying
- Environmental Practices
- Hygiene and Cleaning
- Customer Service
- Plastering
- End User Computing
- Solar Installation
These skills are especially valuable in sectors crucial for South Africa’s socio-economic growth and sustainability.
Useful links:
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the UIF LAP Learnerships and Skills Programmes, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens with a valid ID.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 55.
- Hold at least a Grade 10 qualification or higher.
- Show genuine interest in the construction/building sector (priority).
- Not be currently enrolled in another learnership or skills programme.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must hand deliver their application documents to:
Shulimani Training Academy, Stand No. 102, Old Kurhuleni Creche, Ntsumele B, Kurhuleni Mission, 0933.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers far more than classroom learning. It provides:
- Nationally recognised qualifications accredited by SAQA.
- Practical work experience in industries with high demand.
- Skills for self-employment in agriculture, construction, ICT, and services.
With only 30 spots per programme, the UIF LAP is a highly competitive opportunity. Submitting your application early can improve your chances of being considered.
Closing Date
Applications for the UIF Labour Activation Programme (LAP) & We Invest Africa Learnerships and Skills Programmes must be submitted by 30 September 2025.
