Apply for the UIF Labour Activation Programme (LAP) 2025/2026 in partnership with We Invest Africa. Learnerships & skills programmes.
Introduction: Turning Unemployment Into Opportunity
Unemployment continues to be one of South Africa’s biggest challenges. For many young people and adults, finding work feels like a never-ending struggle. That is why initiatives such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP) are so important.
The UIF LAP has partnered with We Invest Africa (Pty) Ltd to create powerful opportunities for unemployed South Africans who want to learn, grow, and build sustainable futures. Through this partnership, unemployed individuals can take part in learnerships and skills programmes designed to equip them with practical knowledge, hands-on training, and nationally recognized qualifications.
This initiative does not just offer short-term relief — it provides pathways to long-term employment or entrepreneurship.
Why the UIF Labour Activation Programme Matters
South Africa’s unemployment rate has remained stubbornly high for years. Many young people leave school or university and struggle to secure jobs because they lack work experience or industry-specific training. On the other hand, businesses often report that job applicants don’t have the right skills needed for modern industries.
The UIF Labour Activation Programme bridges this gap by:
- Equipping unemployed people with skills that are in demand.
- Providing work exposure so that participants gain real-world experience.
- Offering accredited qualifications recognized by employers nationwide.
- Supporting entrepreneurship for individuals who want to start their own businesses.
By linking training with actual workplace practice, the programme ensures that learners are not just “qualified on paper,” but also prepared to succeed in practical environments.
Programme Duration and Structure
Each UIF LAP programme runs for 12 months and includes:
- Structured training sessions delivered in classrooms or workshops.
- Workplace exposure where participants put theory into practice.
- Continuous support to ensure learners successfully complete the programme.
Unlike many short training courses, these programmes are long enough to provide a solid foundation and transformative learning experience, while still being compact enough to prepare participants for job opportunities within a year.
Limited Spaces – Why It’s Competitive
One of the most important things to note is that only 30 participants will be selected per programme.
This makes the opportunity highly competitive but also ensures that each learner receives individual attention, quality mentoring, and a well-structured training environment. With smaller groups, facilitators can provide closer guidance, which increases the chances of learners completing successfully.
If you are considering applying, it’s best to do so early and ensure that your application is complete with all the required documents.
Learnerships Offered Through UIF LAP & We Invest Africa
The UIF LAP learnerships are SAQA-accredited and lead to nationally recognized qualifications. This is especially important because it means your qualification will be valued across different industries in South Africa.
Learnerships combine classroom-based learning with on-the-job training, giving participants both theoretical knowledge and real practical skills.
Here are the learnerships currently offered:
1. National Certificate: Mixed Farming Systems — NQF Level 2
This programme introduces learners to multiple areas of farming, including crops, livestock, and basic agricultural practices. It is perfect for those who want to work in agriculture or start small-scale farms.
2. National Certificate: Plant Production — NQF Level 3
Focusing on plant and crop farming, this qualification equips learners with the knowledge needed to manage small- to medium-scale plant production systems.
3. National Certificate: Landscaping — NQF Level 2
A great programme for individuals interested in garden design, parks, and outdoor spaces. Landscaping skills are in demand for residential, commercial, and municipal projects.
4. National Certificate: Animal Production — NQF Level 2
This programme covers the basics of livestock production, including cattle, sheep, poultry, and other animal farming systems.
5. National Certificate: Construction Roadworks — NQF Level 3
Participants will learn about road construction, repair, and maintenance. This qualification is valuable in South Africa’s growing infrastructure and development sector.
6. National Certificate: Building Health and Safety — NQF Level 3
Focused on workplace safety in construction, this qualification helps learners understand occupational health and safety regulations, hazard prevention, and compliance.
7. National Certificate: Building a Community House — NQF Level 2
This programme provides the knowledge and skills to contribute to community housing projects, focusing on construction basics and sustainable building methods.
8. National Certificate: Process Control for Water and Wastewater — NQF Level 3
An important qualification for those interested in environmental and water management. It prepares learners to work in municipal or industrial water treatment facilities.
Skills Programmes Offered
In addition to full learnerships, UIF LAP also provides shorter, focused skills programmes. These are particularly useful for people who want to quickly improve their employability or gain practical skills for starting small businesses.
Here are the skills programmes offered:
- Entrepreneurship – Learn how to start and run a successful business.
- Professional Driving – Gain licenses and skills needed for the logistics and transport industry.
- Farming (including poultry and horticulture) – Hands-on training in small-scale farming.
- Construction Health and Safety – Safety practices in construction environments.
- Plumbing and Bricklaying – Valuable trade skills for employment or self-employment.
- Environmental Practices – Knowledge about sustainability and environmental management.
- Hygiene and Cleaning – Practical training for the cleaning and sanitation industry.
- Customer Service – Professional skills for retail, hospitality, and service industries.
- Plastering – A key trade skill for construction.
- End User Computing – Essential computer skills for office and administrative work.
- Solar Installation – A fast-growing sector linked to renewable energy.
These shorter programmes are highly practical and aligned with industries that are hiring right now, such as agriculture, construction, services, and ICT.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for UIF LAP opportunities, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Be unemployed at the time of application.
- Be aged between 18 and 55 years.
- Have at least a Grade 10 qualification or higher.
- Show interest in the construction/building sector (priority area).
- Not be enrolled in another learnership or skills programme.
Meeting these requirements ensures fairness and allows the programme to reach the people who need it most.
How to Apply
Applications must be hand-delivered to:
📍 Shulimani Training Academy
Stand No. 102, Old Kurhuleni Creche
Ntsumele B, Kurhuleni Mission, 0933
When applying, make sure to:
- Submit all required documents (including certified copies).
- Ensure your forms are fully completed.
- Apply before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
⚠️ Important Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
The UIF LAP in partnership with We Invest Africa is not just another training programme. It is a life-changing opportunity because it offers:
- Nationally recognized qualifications that employers value.
- Practical work experience that prepares you for real jobs.
- High-demand skills in industries like agriculture, construction, ICT, and services.
- Entrepreneurship support for those who want to start businesses.
- Opportunities in renewable energy such as solar installation, which is growing fast in South Africa.
With limited spaces available, the programme is designed to create real impact in the lives of participants.
Closing Date
Applications close on 30 September 2025.
Because only 30 learners will be chosen per programme, it’s best to apply as early as possible to increase your chances.
Conclusion
The partnership between UIF Labour Activation Programme (LAP) and We Invest Africa is a game changer for unemployed South Africans. By providing both learnerships and skills programmes, it equips participants with the qualifications, experience, and confidence needed to step into the job market or create their own opportunities.
This is not just about training — it’s about building futures, reducing unemployment, and strengthening communities across the country.
If you meet the requirements, don’t wait. Apply today and take the first step toward transforming your future.