The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) were created to reintegrate Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries into the labour market by focusing on job creation and training.
The Labour Activation Programme aims to prioritise creating employment and business opportunities, skilling and re-skilling unemployed beneficiaries, combating long-term unemployment, and reducing poverty.
Our Approach
The UIF partnered with Reach Summit nationally to create a turnkey solution focused on Specialised hospitality programmes to equip and upskill unemployed youth and UIF beneficiaries. Through training, practical experience, and job placement support, we are enabling UIF beneficiaries to access job opportunities in the labour market.
Challenges Faced During The Project
One of the key challenges Summit faced during the rollout of the UIF LAP project was learner dropouts, which affected the programme’s retention and completion rates. A dropout rate of 23% in Year 2 raised concerns about the programme’s success in helping them transition from training to employment.
Unforeseen challenges required extra effort and flexibility; issues with absenteeism and timekeeping tasks caused non-completion of programmes. This weakens both learner performance and employer satisfaction.
Actions Put In Place to Mitigate Risks
To reduce risks within the UIF LAP programme, several practical measures were introduced. To prevent learner dropouts, the team focused on boosting engagement through regular check-ins, mentorship, and a strong support system to keep learners motivated and on track.
For those needing to relocate, a structured transfer process was put in place to ensure smooth transitions between training sites, with clear communication helping to avoid disruptions. In cases like maternity leave, learners received reintegration support to help them return to the programme successfully.
To improve attendance and timekeeping, UIF LAP implemented an AI-powered system using facial recognition and geolocation, making it easier to track participation and promote accountability.
Results
The actions taken within the UIF LAP programme have led to measurable improvements across several key areas. Thanks to the mentorship and engagement strategies, learner dropout rates decreased, and job placements increased. Since the project began in 2023, a total of 1,756 learners have been trained, with a throughput rate of 62% and 249 learners placed in jobs to date.
The introduction of a structured transfer system made it easier for learners to move between training locations, reducing disruptions for employers and supporting smoother transitions for participants.
Lessons Learned
Relocation requests highlighted the need for greater flexibility in supporting unemployed youth and UIF beneficiaries. While these transitions occasionally disrupted the continuity of training, they also exposed areas where learners required more robust support systems. This underscores the importance of agility in programme implementation. By enhancing transparency in our processes and fostering stronger collaboration with employers and stakeholders, we were able to navigate these challenges more effectively and create more sustainable pathways for unemployed individuals to enter and remain in the labour market.
Looking ahead, it remains essential to continuously adapt our strategies to meet the evolving needs of learners. By prioritising learner well-being, strengthening partnerships, and refining programme delivery, we can ensure that our solutions remain impactful and inclusive. Summit’s ongoing involvement and support play a critical role in contributing to meaningful opportunities for unemployed youth.