The Learner opportunity at DHL Global Forwarding offers unemployed young South Africans the chance to gain valuable workplace experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification in freight forwarding. As one of the world’s leading logistics companies, DHL provides participants with practical exposure to the import and export industry, helping them develop skills that can improve their future employability.
The 12-month learnership combines classroom-based learning with real workplace experience, allowing participants to understand how international freight operations work while contributing to the daily activities of a global logistics business.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30, have completed Grade 12, and are currently unemployed, this programme could be an excellent stepping stone into South Africa’s growing logistics and supply chain sector. Here’s everything you should know before submitting your application.
Table of Contents
1. Learnership Overview
DHL Global Forwarding is inviting applications for its 2026/2027 Learner Programme, offering unemployed youth the opportunity to complete a 12-month Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership.
The programme is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and is designed to introduce participants to the freight forwarding industry through structured theoretical training and practical workplace experience.
Successful applicants will become part of DHL Global Forwarding, the division responsible for the company’s air, ocean, and road freight services across international markets.
Opportunity Highlights
- Employer: DHL Global Forwarding South Africa
- Position: Learner
- Programme Duration: 12 Months
- Qualification: Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Employment Type: Temporary Learnership
- Target Group: Unemployed South African youth
2. Why This Learner Opportunity Stands Out
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is the opportunity to gain practical work experience with one of the world’s most recognised logistics companies.
DHL operates in more than 220 countries and territories, making it one of the largest logistics organisations globally. Learning within this environment allows participants to understand international trade, freight movement, and customer service standards that are used worldwide.
Some of the benefits include:
- Gaining practical workplace experience.
- Completing an accredited NQF Level 5 qualification.
- Learning from experienced logistics professionals.
- Developing skills that improve future employability.
- Working within a globally recognised organisation.
- Building professional networks for future career opportunities.
For young people looking to enter the logistics industry, this combination of education and workplace exposure can provide a strong foundation.
3. What Qualification Will You Receive?
Successful applicants will be enrolled in the Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership.
Throughout the year, learners will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in freight forwarding operations.
Topics covered during the programme are expected to include:
- Freight forwarding processes.
- Import and export procedures.
- Logistics administration.
- Documentation management.
- Operational systems.
- Customer service.
- International trade processes.
By combining classroom learning with practical experience, participants have the opportunity to better understand how logistics operations function in a real business environment.
4. Minimum Requirements
Before applying, applicants should ensure they meet the programme’s minimum requirements.
You should:
- Have a Grade 12 certificate or a relevant Transport, Logistics, or Business qualification.
- Have achieved at least 65% in English in Matric.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be unemployed.
- Not currently studying.
- Have basic computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office will be an advantage.
DHL has also indicated that appointments will be made in accordance with the company’s Employment Equity Policy.
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5. What You Will Be Doing During the Learnership
Learners will support various operational activities while working under supervision.
Some of the responsibilities include:
Supporting Import and Export Operations
Participants will assist with activities that contribute to efficient freight forwarding services.
Managing Documentation
Learners will help receive, organise, reconcile, and process operational documents while ensuring records remain accurate.
Maintaining Operational Systems
The programme includes exposure to internal systems used to support logistics operations and administrative processes.
Completing Administrative Tasks
Daily duties may include:
- Scanning documents.
- Filing records.
- Preparing reports.
- Updating information.
- Supporting back-office operations.
Working as Part of a Team
Learners will collaborate with colleagues while following established procedures and communicating effectively within their teams.
These responsibilities provide practical exposure to the operational side of international logistics.
6. Skills You Can Develop
One of the biggest benefits of completing a learnership is the opportunity to build practical workplace skills that employers value.
During the programme, participants may strengthen their abilities in:
- Communication.
- Organisation.
- Time management.
- Documentation handling.
- Computer literacy.
- Teamwork.
- Customer service.
- Problem-solving.
- Attention to detail.
- Professional workplace behaviour.
These transferable skills can be valuable across many industries, not only logistics.
7. Why Consider a Career in Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is an important part of global trade.
Every day, businesses rely on logistics professionals to coordinate the movement of goods between suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and customers around the world.
As international trade continues to grow, employers increasingly value individuals who understand shipping processes, customs documentation, transport coordination, and customer service.
For graduates and school leavers interested in supply chain management, transport, imports, exports, or logistics, gaining experience through a recognised employer like DHL can provide a useful starting point for a long-term career.
8. Who Should Apply?
This opportunity could be well suited to individuals who:
- Have completed Grade 12.
- You are currently unemployed and not studying
- Want practical workplace experience.
- Are interested in logistics and international trade.
- Enjoy administrative work.
- Are organised and detail-oriented.
- Want to improve their future employability through an accredited learnership.
Applicants with a positive attitude and willingness to learn are likely to benefit most from the programme.
9. How To Apply
If you meet the minimum requirements and would like to be considered for the Learner opportunity, you will need to submit your application through the official DHL Careers Portal. Apply Here
Before applying, it is a good idea to:
- Update your CV with your latest education and any relevant experience.
- Ensure your Grade 12 certificate or other relevant qualifications are ready to upload.
- Double-check that your contact details are accurate.
- Read the job requirements carefully to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Complete all required sections of the online application before submitting it.
10. Final Thoughts
The Learner opportunity at DHL Global Forwarding offers unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification in freight forwarding. Through practical exposure, structured learning, and mentorship, participants can develop technical knowledge and professional skills that may support future employment within the logistics sector.
For young people interested in transport, logistics, supply chain operations, or international trade, this 12-month programme provides an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading logistics organisations. If you meet the eligibility requirements, consider reviewing the vacancy on DHL’s official careers website and submitting your application.
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