DHL Global Forwarding South Africa is inviting applications from unemployed South African youth for the 2026/2027 Learner Programme based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This 12-month learnership offers successful candidates the opportunity to gain valuable theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience in the freight forwarding and logistics industry.
The programme is designed to help unemployed young people build professional skills while completing a nationally recognized qualification. Participants will enroll in the Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership, combining classroom learning with real workplace exposure to improve future employment opportunities.
This opportunity is ideal for recent matriculants and young graduates who are interested in developing a career in logistics, international trade, freight forwarding, imports, exports, and supply chain management.
Learnership Details
- Position: Learner
- Programme: Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Reference Number: AV-366612
- Job Type: Learnership
- Employment Type: Temporary
- Duration: 12 Months
- Schedule: Part-time
About DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding is one of the world’s leading providers of international freight services. Operating as part of the DHL Group, the company specializes in air freight, ocean freight, road freight, customs clearance, and supply chain solutions. DHL operates in more than 220 countries and territories, connecting businesses and customers across global markets.
History
The company has built a strong reputation for delivering logistics solutions that support international trade while creating career development opportunities for employees across multiple business sectors.
The 2026/2027 Learnership Programme reflects DHL’s commitment to developing young South African talent by providing structured workplace learning and nationally recognized qualifications.
Purpose of the Learnership
The primary purpose of this learnership is to provide unemployed youth with practical workplace exposure together with theoretical training in freight forwarding and customs clearing.
During the 12-month programme, learners will gain industry knowledge while developing technical and administrative skills required within logistics operations. Successful completion of the programme may significantly improve employability within the logistics and supply chain industry.
City & Local Guides
The learnership also provides participants with an opportunity to understand international trade processes, documentation requirements, customer service standards, and operational procedures used in freight forwarding.
Key Responsibilities
Successful learners will support daily logistics operations under supervision while gaining practical experience in various business functions.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with import and export operational processes.
- Supporting freight forwarding activities according to established procedures.
- Receiving and processing shipping documentation.
- Reconciling transport-related documents.
- Consolidating and summarizing information for operational purposes.
- Maintaining operational systems according to instructions.
- Performing administrative duties.
- Scanning documents.
- Filing documentation accurately.
- Preparing reports when required.
- Supporting back-office operations.
- Following company procedures and operational guidelines.
- Working closely with team members.
- Communicating work-related information clearly.
- Assisting with routine operational tasks.
- Reporting task-related issues to supervisors.
- Maintaining accurate records.
- Supporting service delivery activities.
- Completing assigned duties within deadlines.
The role focuses on developing practical knowledge while allowing learners to understand the daily operations of an international logistics business.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the programme, participants will gain knowledge and experience in several important areas of freight forwarding and logistics, including:
History
- Freight forwarding principles
- Customs clearing procedures
- Import documentation
- Export documentation
- Logistics administration
- Supply chain operations
- Transport coordination
- Customer service
- Workplace communication
- Business administration
- Operational reporting
- Document management
- Information processing
- Teamwork
- Professional workplace conduct
These skills are highly valuable within logistics companies, shipping organizations, freight forwarders, transport providers, customs agencies, warehouses, distribution centres, and international trading businesses.
Travel & Transportation
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements before submitting an application.
Candidates should have:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or a relevant Transport and Logistics or Business qualification.
- A minimum of 65% in English in Matric.
- South African citizenship.
- Be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Not be studying at any educational institution.
- A willingness to learn and develop professionally.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Basic administrative abilities.
Advantageous Skills
Although not compulsory, the following skills will be considered advantageous during the selection process:
- Basic computer literacy.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Administrative experience.
- Good organizational skills.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Time management skills.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Willingness to work in a structured environment.
- Professional attitude.
- Strong work ethic.
What Participants Can Expect
Selected learners will receive structured training that combines theoretical learning with workplace experience.
History
Throughout the programme, learners will have opportunities to:
- Learn from experienced logistics professionals.
- Gain exposure to international freight forwarding operations.
- Develop practical workplace skills.
- Improve communication abilities.
- Build confidence in a professional environment.
- Understand logistics documentation.
- Learn operational systems.
- Develop administrative competencies.
- Gain valuable industry experience.
- Improve future employment prospects.
The combination of practical training and classroom learning provides participants with skills that are transferable across various industries.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership can open doors to various career opportunities within the logistics and supply chain sector.
Business & Industrial
Potential career paths include:
- Freight Forwarding Administrator
- Customs Clearing Administrator
- Import Controller
- Export Controller
- Logistics Administrator
- Shipping Coordinator
- Supply Chain Administrator
- Documentation Clerk
- Transport Coordinator
- Operations Administrator
- Logistics Assistant
- Freight Operations Clerk
- Customer Service Consultant
- Warehouse Administrator
- Distribution Coordinator
Experience gained during the programme may also support future applications for permanent positions within logistics companies and related industries.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated according to the company’s Employment Equity Policy.
Only applicants who meet the advertised minimum requirements should submit an application. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or interviews as part of the recruitment process.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.
Why Consider This Learnership?
Learnership programmes provide an excellent opportunity for unemployed youth to gain practical work experience while earning a nationally recognized qualification.
Some benefits include:
- Workplace experience.
- Industry-relevant skills.
- Professional development.
- Exposure to international logistics operations.
- Improved employability.
- Practical administrative experience.
- Networking opportunities.
- Structured learning.
- Career development.
- Increased confidence in the workplace.
The logistics sector continues to be one of South Africa’s important industries, creating demand for skilled professionals in freight forwarding, customs clearing, transport, and supply chain management.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit an online application through the DHL Careers website before the closing date, if specified on the official vacancy page.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. Required supporting documents should be prepared before starting the online application process.
Having an updated CV, certified qualifications, and a certified copy of an identity document may assist in completing the application process where requested.
Important Notes
- Only South African citizens are eligible.
- Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application.
- Applicants must not be studying.
- Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- English must have been passed with at least 65% in Matric.
- Computer literacy is considered an added advantage.
- The programme runs for 12 months.
- The learnership is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Apply for the DHL Learnership Programme 2026/2027
Young South Africans seeking valuable workplace experience in logistics, freight forwarding, and international trade are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity. The DHL Learnership Programme offers practical training, professional development, and the chance to gain a nationally recognized qualification that can support long-term career growth in one of the world’s leading logistics companies.
Apply Here: Learnership Programme 2026/2027
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