South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains a massive challenge, and many young people struggle to gain the experience and qualifications needed to start their careers. If you’re a young, motivated South African who is ready to take your future seriously, the UIF Labour Activation Programme (LAP) Contact Centre Learnership 2025/2026 is an outstanding opportunity to build real skills, gain meaningful work exposure, and earn a monthly allowance while you learn.UIF LAP Contact Centre Learnership 2025/2026
This 12-month learnership is a collaboration between the Department of Employment & Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Ubuntu Institute. Their combined mission is simple: empower young people with practical training, reduce unemployment, and prepare South Africans for high-demand careers—especially in industries like customer service and contact centres.
Whether you’re looking to secure your first job, boost your professional confidence, or transition into the growing world of contact centre operations, this programme offers a solid foundation to help you get started.
Why This Learnership Matters
Contact centres are one of the biggest employers in South Africa, with local and international companies continuously hiring new agents. These environments require people with excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, patience, and professionalism. The UIF LAP Learnership helps you gain all of this through structured training and hands-on experience.
More importantly, this programme is specifically designed for young South Africans who have previously contributed to the UIF and are currently unemployed. If you meet the criteria, this is your chance to be equipped with skills that employers actively look for.
What You’ll Find Inside This Guide
- Quick Overview of the Learnership
- Meet the Teams Behind the Programme
- Department of Employment & Labour
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
- Ubuntu Institute
- Who Qualifies? (Programme Requirements)
- General Requirements
- Documents Needed to Apply
- How to Apply
- What You Can Expect During the Learnership
- Why You Should Consider Applying
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Final Thoughts
Quick Overview
- Programme Name: UIF LAP Contact Centre Learnership
- Duration: 12 Months
- Monthly Allowance: R2,000
- Who May Apply: South African citizens aged 18–28
- Employment Status: Must be unemployed
- Previous UIF Contribution: Required
- Education Required: Grade 12 (Matric)
- Programme Partners: Department of Employment & Labour, UIF, Ubuntu Institute
Meet the Teams Behind the Programme
1. Department of Employment & Labour
This national department plays a leading role in protecting workers’ rights, promoting fair labour practices, and ensuring that South Africans have access to employment opportunities. The department also drives initiatives designed to equip young people with relevant skills for today’s evolving job market.
2. Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
UIF is known for assisting workers who have lost their jobs, but its role goes far beyond financial support. Through the Labour Activation Programme (LAP), UIF invests in skills development to help beneficiaries re-enter the workforce. Funding this learnership is part of their broader strategy to fight unemployment and build a more skilled nation.
3. Ubuntu Institute
With its strong focus on youth development, the Ubuntu Institute partners with public and private institutions to deliver impactful training programmes. They specialise in empowering young people through education, skills development, and work-readiness initiatives.
Together, these three organisations form a powerful partnership committed to helping young people gain relevant skills and access real work opportunities.
Are You the Right Fit? (Programme Requirements)
Before submitting your application, make sure you meet the programme’s requirements. These criteria ensure that only eligible applicants—especially those previously contributing to UIF—receive training and support.
General Requirements
To apply for the UIF LAP Contact Centre Learnership 2025/2026, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 18 and 28 years old
- Be currently unemployed
- Have previously contributed to the UIF
- Not be participating in any other learnership or internship at the moment
- Have completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- Have strong interest in customer service, communication, or contact centre operations
- Be willing to commit to full-time training for the full 12 months
- Have access to a smartphone for communication and online learning
- Be motivated, reliable, and eager to learn
Applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, and the programme welcomes inclusivity.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Prepare the following documents before starting the application process:
- Certified copy of your South African ID (certified within the last 2 months)
- Certified copy of your highest qualification (Matric certificate or equivalent)
- A clear and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, affidavit, or formal letter)
- Medical certificate, if applying as a person with a disability
- SARS letter
Make sure your documents are clear, readable, and correctly certified. Incomplete or unclear submissions may result in rejection.
How to Send in Your Application
You need to submit your application through the official link provided for the UIF LAP Contact Centre Learnership.
APPLY FOR THE UIF LAP CONTACT CENTRE LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2025/2026 HERE
Avoid using any third-party sites that ask for payment. This programme is 100% free, and applicants are never required to pay for forms, training, or registration.
What to Expect During the 12-Month Learnership
If you’re accepted into the programme, here’s what your learning journey will look like:
1. Classroom Training
You will receive structured training covering essential skills such as:
- Communication and telephone etiquette
- Customer service principles
- Data capturing
- Handling customer complaints
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Computer literacy and call centre systems
2. Practical Workplace Experience
You’ll be placed at a contact centre where you can apply what you’ve learned in real-life environments. This gives you:
- A strong understanding of workplace culture
- The confidence to work professionally
- Experience dealing with real customers
- A competitive advantage when applying for future jobs
3. Monthly Allowance
All learners receive a R2,000 allowance each month to support basic expenses.
4. Continuous Coaching
Trainers and supervisors will guide you throughout the programme to ensure you succeed.
5. A Nationally Recognised Qualification
Once you complete the learnership successfully, you’ll receive a qualification that can be added to your CV—opening doors to further opportunities.
Why You Should Consider Applying
Here’s what makes this opportunity valuable for young South Africans:
✔ You gain real experience
Employers prefer candidates with both theory and practical experience. This learnership gives you both.
✔ You earn while you learn
The allowance makes it easier to focus on your training.
✔ You become job-ready
You’ll be equipped with skills that are always in demand.
✔ It boosts your CV
Showing that you completed a full 12-month programme proves commitment and professionalism.
✔ It’s supported by reputable partners
The Department of Labour, UIF, and Ubuntu Institute give the programme credibility and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need previous work experience to apply?
No. This learnership is designed for young people with little to no work experience.
2. Will I be paid during the learnership?
Yes. You will receive a monthly allowance of R2,000.
3. Can I apply if I have not contributed to UIF?
Unfortunately not. You must have previously contributed to UIF to qualify.
4. Can I apply if I am older than 28 years?
No. The programme is strictly for applicants aged 18 to 28.
5. Do I need a smartphone?
Yes. Communication, updates, and some learning activities require smartphone access.
6. Can I be employed while doing the learnership?
No. This is a full-time programme that requires your full commitment.
7. Is the programme completely free?
Yes. There are no fees, and applicants should never pay anyone for assistance.
8. What qualification will I get at the end?
You will receive a recognised qualification in Contact Centre Operations.
9. Are people with disabilities allowed to apply?
Yes. The programme strongly encourages applications from people living with disabilities.
10. How long does the programme last?
The learnership runs for 12 full months.
Final Thoughts
The UIF LAP Contact Centre Learnership 2025/2026 is more than just a training opportunity—it’s a stepping stone toward a stable and successful future. If you’re a young South African who is ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to build a career in the contact centre industry, this programme offers everything you need to get started.
With guidance from some of South Africa’s most trusted institutions, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and experience to compete in the job market. If you meet the requirements, take the next step and apply. This could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
