DHL Global Forwarding Learnership 2026/2027: Opportunity for South African Youth to Launch a Career in International Logistics
DHL Learnership 2026/2027 Opens Global Forwarding South Africa has announced applications for its 2026/2027 Learner Programme, giving unemployed South African youth the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 qualification while gaining valuable workplace experience.
The programme is designed to equip young people with practical skills required in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing industries—freight forwarding, customs clearing, imports, exports, and global supply chain management.
For candidates interested in logistics, international trade, transportation, customs administration, or supply chain careers, DHL Learnership 2026/2027 Opens this programme provides a structured pathway into permanent employment within the logistics sector.
Job Overview
| Position | Learner |
|---|---|
| Company | DHL Global Forwarding SA (Pty) Ltd |
| Programme | Clearing & Forwarding Agent Learnership |
| Qualification | NQF Level 5 |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Temporary Learnership |
| Industry | Logistics & Freight Forwarding |
| Target Group | Unemployed South African Youth |
About DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding forms part of DHL Group, one of the world’s largest logistics companies operating across more than 220 countries and territories.
The company specialises in:
- Air Freight
- Ocean Freight
- Road Freight
- Customs Clearance
- International Trade Solutions
- Supply Chain Management
- End-to-End Logistics
As one of the industry’s leading employers, DHL continuously invests in skills development through structured learnerships and graduate programmes.
What Makes This Learnership Valuable?
Unlike classroom-only training, this programme combines:
- Accredited theoretical learning
- Workplace experience
- Industry mentoring
- Practical customs documentation
- Freight forwarding operations
- Import and export administration
Graduates leave with recognised qualifications and real industry experience, making them more competitive when applying for logistics positions.
Learner Responsibilities
Successful applicants will assist operational teams with daily logistics activities, including:
- Supporting import and export documentation
- Receiving and verifying shipping documents
- Reconciling freight documentation
- Maintaining operational systems
- Filing and scanning documents
- Preparing reports
- Performing administrative duties
- Supporting freight operations
- Working with experienced logistics professionals
- Following DHL operational procedures
- Assisting team members with back-office activities
These responsibilities help learners understand international freight operations from beginning to end.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 (Matric)
- English pass mark of at least 65%
- Relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualification will be advantageous
- South African citizen
- Between 18 and 30 years old
- Currently unemployed
- Not studying full-time
- Basic Microsoft Office knowledge is advantageous
- Willing to work in Johannesburg
- Must comply with DHL Employment Equity requirements
Skills That Can Improve Your Application
Although not compulsory, the following skills may strengthen an application:
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Customer service
- Administration skills
- Organisation
- Teamwork
- Professional work ethic
Estimated Learnership Stipend
DHL has not publicly confirmed the monthly stipend for this learnership.
Based on similar South African NQF Level 5 logistics learnerships, learners often receive a monthly training allowance intended to help cover transport and meal expenses. Actual amounts vary depending on the employer and funding arrangements.
Salary Comparison: Logistics Careers in South Africa
| Position | Typical Monthly Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Learnership Stipend (Industry Range)* | R3,500 – R7,500 |
| Logistics Administrator | R12,000 – R20,000 |
| Freight Forwarding Clerk | R15,000 – R28,000 |
| Customs Clearing Agent | R18,000 – R35,000 |
| Import & Export Coordinator | R20,000 – R38,000 |
| Supply Chain Administrator | R18,000 – R30,000 |
| Logistics Coordinator | R22,000 – R40,000 |
*Industry estimates only. DHL has not disclosed a stipend for this specific programme. Actual earnings depend on employer, experience, qualifications and location.
Why Logistics Remains a Strong Career Choice
South Africa continues to rely heavily on logistics to support:
- Imports and exports
- Manufacturing
- Retail distribution
- Mining
- Agriculture
- E-commerce
- International trade
As global trade expands and supply chains become more digital, employers increasingly seek candidates with recognised logistics qualifications and workplace experience.
Programmes such as this one help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Career Opportunities After Completion
Completing the programme may improve eligibility for roles such as:
- Freight Forwarding Clerk
- Customs Documentation Clerk
- Shipping Coordinator
- Logistics Administrator
- Warehouse Administrator
- Transport Coordinator
- Import Controller
- Export Controller
- Operations Administrator
- Supply Chain Assistant
Employment is not guaranteed, but the qualification and experience can strengthen future job applications within the logistics sector.
Expert Career Advice
Candidates should prepare a professional CV that highlights:
- Academic achievements
- Computer skills
- Communication abilities
- Volunteer work
- Leadership roles
- Certificates
- Availability
- Contact details
Applicants should also ensure that all supporting documents are clear, complete and up to date before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through DHL’s official careers platform. Candidates should carefully review all eligibility requirements and provide accurate information before applying.
Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted during the recruitment process.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This programme offers more than a qualification. It provides practical exposure to international logistics within one of the world’s leading freight companies. For young South Africans seeking to enter the transport and supply chain industry, it represents an opportunity to develop recognised skills and gain valuable workplace experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is previous work experience required?
No. The programme is intended for unemployed youth beginning their careers.
Is this a permanent job?
No. It is a 12-month learnership. Permanent employment is not guaranteed.
Can students apply?
Applicants must not be currently studying full-time at the time of application.
Where is the programme based?
Johannesburg, Gauteng.
What qualification will learners receive?
Successful participants will work toward the Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 qualification, subject to programme completion requirements.
Editorial Transparency
Publisher’s note: This article is an independently prepared informational guide based on details published by DHL Global Forwarding. It is intended to help job seekers understand the opportunity and does not guarantee selection, employment or any specific stipend amount. Estimated salary information is based on broader South African labour market trends and should not be interpreted as official DHL remuneration.
Last updated: 2 August 2026
Sources and References
- DHL Group Careers – Official recruitment information
- DHL Global Forwarding South Africa programme announcement
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
- Industry salary benchmarks from publicly available South African recruitment and labour market data.