The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) invites qualified and unemployed South Africans to apply for the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) and We Invest Africa Learnerships & Skills Programmes for 2025/2026. These opportunities aim to give individuals the skills and experience needed to find jobs or start their own businesses. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2025, so be sure to apply on time to avoid missing out.
This initiative is a partnership between UIF and We Invest Africa (Pty) Ltd, with the goal of fighting unemployment in South Africa. It offers unemployed individuals the chance to gain hands-on training, knowledge, and valuable qualifications. The programme is designed to prepare participants for the real world of work by equipping them with skills that are in demand across different industries.
About the Programme
The UIF Labour Activation Programme is focused on training 30 unemployed participants per programme. Each training programme runs for 12 months and includes structured, professional training. These programmes are designed to close skills gaps in key sectors like:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Environmental practices
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Entrepreneurship
By the end of the training, participants will have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This combination gives them the best chance to secure employment or even start their own businesses.
Learnership Opportunities
All learnerships offered are SAQA-accredited and lead to nationally recognized qualifications. These programmes include both classroom learning and on-the-job training, ensuring that participants are fully prepared for work in their chosen field.
Here are the available learnership qualifications:
- 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 boost employability by providing participants with the technical skills and workplace readiness needed to compete in today’s job market.
Skills Programmes
In addition to learnerships, UIF LAP offers shorter, focused skills programmes. These are perfect for individuals who want practical training to quickly improve their chances of getting a job or starting a small business.
Available skills programmes include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional Driving
- Farming (including 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 programmes focus on industries that are vital to South Africa’s economic growth, making them valuable for both job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the UIF LAP and We Invest Africa opportunities, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID.
- Currently unemployed at the time of application.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 55.
- Have a minimum qualification of Grade 10 or higher.
- Show a strong interest in the construction/building sector (priority will be given here).
- Not currently enrolled in another learnership or skills programme.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must hand-deliver their application documents to the following address:
Shulimani Training Academy
Stand No. 102
Old Kurhuleni Creche
Ntsumele B, Kurhuleni Mission, 0933
Make sure to include all required documents, such as a copy of your ID and any other supporting paperwork.
Why You Should Apply
This programme is not just about training — it is a life-changing opportunity. Successful participants will gain:
- Nationally recognized qualifications
- Practical, real-world experience
- Valuable skills needed for in-demand industries like construction, agriculture, ICT, and more
- The knowledge to start their own businesses
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