The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP) is offering a Wholesale & Retail Learnership for the 2025/2026 period.**
This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for young, unemployed South Africans to acquire practical skills and gain real-world experience in the Wholesale & Retail sector. The 12-month structured program combines formal, accredited training with hands-on workplace exposure, designed to boost confidence and lay a strong foundation for a career.UIF LAP Wholesale and Retail Learnership 2025/2026
This learnership is particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their job prospects in a sector that continues to generate employment opportunities nationwide.
This announcement marks one of the many efforts by the Department of Employment and Labour to support unemployed youth, uplift vulnerable communities, and reduce poverty by opening doors to sustainable employment pathways. As unemployment continues to challenge the economy, programmes like this are essential for building skills, improving employability, and providing young people with the tools needed to compete in an evolving job market.
Programme Highlights:
- Name: UIF LAP Learnership (Wholesale & Retail)
- Duration: 12 Months
- Allowance: R2,000 per month
- Eligibility: South African youth aged 18–28
- Minimum Education: Grade 11
- Requirement: Must be currently unemployed and a previous UIF contributor.
- Encouragement: People with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
- Resource: Access to a smart device for communication and learning
These programme highlights outline the essential information applicants need to understand before applying. The structured 12-month period ensures learners receive both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace exposure. This combination is key to developing job-ready skills, especially in an industry as dynamic and customer-focused as Wholesale and Retail.
About the Organizers:
- Department of Employment and Labour: Spearheading national efforts to promote job creation, career advancement, and fair employment practices. The UIF LAP is one of the department’s initiatives to equip unemployed individuals with skills for long-term employment.
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF): Providing temporary financial assistance to workers and funding training programs to assist former contributors in returning to the workforce. The Labour Activation Programme is a key skills development initiative funded by the UIF.
- Ubuntu Institute: Offering training, learner support, and developmental services throughout the learnership. The institute ensures participants receive high-quality education, structured guidance, and practical experience.
These organizations work together to deliver a program designed to improve employability and foster sustainable career growth.
Together, these institutions create an ecosystem of support for unemployed youth. From training content to learning support, each partner plays a unique role in ensuring that participants receive high-quality instruction, mentorship, and guidance that not only prepares them for employment but also builds confidence and professionalism.
General Requirements:
To be eligible for the UIF LAP Wholesale & Retail Learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen between 18 and 28 years old.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Not be enrolled in another learnership or internship.
- Have previously contributed to UIF.
- Possess a minimum qualification of Grade 11.
- Demonstrate an interest in developing practical Wholesale or Retail skills.
- Be able to commit to the entire 12-month program.
- People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Have access to a smart device for communication and learning.
These criteria ensure that the programme remains targeted at youth who are genuinely in need of support and who will benefit most from the training opportunity. The age requirement focuses on young job seekers, while the unemployment requirement ensures the programme directly impacts individuals actively seeking work.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must include the following documents with their application:
- Certified copy of South African ID (issued within the last 2 months)
- Certified copy of highest qualification (issued within the last 2 months)
- Updated CV
- Proof of residence
- Medical certificate (for applicants applying under disability criteria)
- SARS letter
All documents must be certified and clearly legible.
Submitting complete and correctly certified documents is essential for avoiding delays or disqualification. Many applicants fail to meet requirements simply because documents are unclear or outdated. Ensuring certification within two months and double-checking legibility can significantly improve your chances of approval.
How to Apply:
Applications for the UIF LAP WHOLESALE & RETAIL LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME are submitted online.
Ensure that all required documents are included before submitting your application.
The online application process makes the programme accessible to people across South Africa, especially those in remote areas. Applicants should be mindful of deadlines and ensure stable internet access during submission. A smart device, laptop, or access to a local library or public Wi-Fi zone can make the process smoother.
Why This Learnership Matters:
This learnership, based on official information from the Department of Employment and Labour, UIF, and the Ubuntu Institute, presents a genuine opportunity for young, unemployed South Africans to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and build confidence in a structured setting.
For many participants, this program is a crucial initial step toward securing long-term employment or pursuing further training in the Wholesale & Retail sector.
In addition to the monthly allowance, the structured training ensures individuals receive accredited qualifications recognized across the Wholesale & Retail industry. This opens doors to employment as sales assistants, merchandisers, stock controllers, cashiers, customer service personnel, and more. The sector is known for absorbing large numbers of young people, making this learnership a strategic choice for anyone hoping to enter the job market quickly.
Additional Value for Applicants
Beyond the core benefits, participating in this programme allows learners to:
- Develop strong communication and customer service skills
- Gain professional workplace habits
- Understand real business operations
- Build a CV with credible work experience
- Access mentorship and ongoing support
- Potentially be retained by host employers after the programme
These advantages give learners a competitive edge compared to other job seekers who may lack experience or professional exposure.
In Conclusion:
The UIF LAP Wholesale & Retail Learnership Programme 2025/2026 offers unemployed youth the chance to acquire accredited training and valuable workplace experience. With structured learning, mentorship, and a monthly allowance, the program provides a pathway for young people to enhance their employability and begin building a fulfilling career in the Wholesale & Retail industry.
This opportunity not only contributes to individual growth but also supports South Africa’s broader economic development by upskilling the workforce and reducing youth unemployment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this learnership?
Any South African citizen aged 18–28 who is currently unemployed, has at least Grade 11, and has previously contributed to UIF.
2. Do I need experience in Wholesale & Retail to apply?
No. The programme is designed for beginners with little to no experience.
3. How much is the monthly allowance?
Participants receive R2,000 per month during the 12-month programme.
4. What happens after the learnership ends?
Learners may apply for full-time jobs in the sector or continue with further training. Some host employers may offer permanent roles based on performance.
5. Can people with disabilities apply?
Yes. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, provided they submit a valid medical certificate.
6. Is the training accredited?
Yes. The programme includes accredited training that contributes to your long-term employability.
7. How do I know if my documents are correct?
Ensure they are certified at a police station or commissioner of oaths and issued within the last two months.
8. Can I apply if I am still studying?
No. Applicants must not be enrolled in any other learnership, internship, or formal study programme.
9. Is the application online only?
Yes, the programme uses an online system to streamline and track applications.
10. How long is the programme?
The full duration is 12 months, combining training and workplace exposure.
