For many South Africans, losing a job can be a tough experience, especially when it comes with uncertainty about the future. But the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) doesn’t just provide financial support while you’re out of work—it also offers real opportunities to build your skills and improve your chances of getting back into the job market.
Through various skills development programmes, UIF beneficiaries can access training, gain valuable qualifications, and even start their own businesses. These programmes are part of the Labour Activation Programmes (LAP), run by the Department of Employment and Labour. If you are receiving UIF, here’s what you need to know about the training and development options available to you.
What Are Labour Activation Programmes (LAP)?
LAP is a government initiative to help UIF beneficiaries and unemployed youth gain skills that make them employable or ready to start businesses. These programmes are offered in partnership with:
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs)
Universities
Private training providers
State-owned enterprises
The goal is to help you upskill, reskill, or gain entirely new knowledge that can lead to a better future.
Types of Skills Development Opportunities
Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of opportunities you can access while receiving UIF:
1. Learnerships and Apprenticeships
These programmes combine classroom learning with practical work experience. Learnerships can last up to a year, while apprenticeships can be longer, especially in trades like plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work.
Learnerships: These are available in fields like health, tourism, agriculture, construction, and more. You learn while you work, and get paid a small stipend.
Apprenticeships: Focused on artisan and trade skills, they usually run through TVET colleges and are supported by SETAs.
Eligibility: Must be unemployed and registered with the UIF. You will also need to be matched with a participating employer.
2. Internships
Internships are mostly for graduates looking to gain practical work experience. These usually last 6 to 12 months and help bridge the gap between studying and working in your field.
Eligibility: Graduates who are unemployed and registered on the Department of Labour’s opportunity database.
3. Short Skills Programmes
These are short courses in different fields like computer literacy, hospitality, security, or office admin. They can be:
Credit-bearing (recognized as part of a formal qualification), or
Non-credit-bearing (still useful, but not part of a formal qualification)
Eligibility: Open to all unemployed individuals, especially UIF beneficiaries.
4. Enterprise Development and Business Skills
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, there’s help available. Training includes:
Business planning
Marketing
Financial management
Company registration
Links to funding through organizations like SEFA (Small Enterprise Finance Agency), NEF (National Empowerment Fund), and IDC (Industrial Development Corporation)
Eligibility: UIF beneficiaries with a business idea or interest in becoming self-employed.
5. Training Lay-Off Scheme
This scheme supports people who are at risk of losing their jobs. Instead of retrenching workers, companies can temporarily lay them off so they can attend training. During this time, UIF pays up to 75% of their salary (up to R9,358 per month).
Eligibility: Agreement between the employer and employee is needed.
How to Apply
To access any of these opportunities, you need to:
Register on the Public Employment Services (PES) database at your nearest Department of Labour office or online.
Check regularly with your local office for upcoming programmes and application deadlines.
Get career guidance to help you choose a training opportunity that matches your interests and abilities.
What Fields Are in Demand?
Some of the recent training programmes offered through LAP have focused on:
Carpentry and construction
Maritime operations
Water and sanitation
Food safety and handling
Fibre optics and ICT
Mixed farming and agriculture
These areas are seen as growth sectors where there is demand for skilled workers.
Summary Table: UIF Skills Development Opportunities
| Opportunity Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Learnerships | Training and work experience in various sectors | Must be unemployed and employer required |
| Apprenticeships | Trade-specific skills like plumbing or welding | Apply via SETAs or Department of Labour |
| Internships | On-the-job experience for graduates | Register on employment services database |
| Short Skills Programmes | Short courses in different industries | Open to all unemployed individuals |
| Enterprise Development | Business training and support for entrepreneurs | Register interest through UIF channels |
| Training Lay-Off Scheme | Training during temporary job lay-off with stipend | Agreement needed with your employer |
Check also: Can You Receive Both UIF and SASSA Grants? Here’s What You Need to Know
Being unemployed is not the end of your journey. With the help of UIF’s skills development programmes, you can grow your knowledge, gain new experiences, and prepare for a better future—whether it’s through employment or entrepreneurship.
Visit your local Department of Labour office, register on the PES database, and ask about the Labour Activation Programmes. These opportunities are meant for you—grab them while they last!
