Apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Programme 2026/2027

DHL Global Forwarding is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its 2026/2027 Learnership Programme based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Successful applicants will enrol in a Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 learnership for a period of 12 months. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience in freight forwarding, imports, exports, documentation and logistics operations.

This opportunity is suitable for young people who have completed Grade 12, achieved at least 65% in Matric English, and are currently not employed or studying.

DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Overview

• Position: Learner
• Company: DHL Global Forwarding SA (Pty) Limited
• Reference number: AV-366612
• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Employment type: Part-time temporary
• Programme: Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership
• Qualification level: NQF Level 5
• Duration: 12 months
• Intake: 2026/2027
• Industry: Global forwarding, freight and logistics
• Age requirement: 18 to 30 years
• Citizenship: South African citizens only

About DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding is the air, ocean and road freight specialist within DHL Group.

The company forms part of one of the world’s largest logistics networks, with operations in more than 220 countries and territories. DHL Global Forwarding helps businesses move goods across international borders through standard transport services and specialised end-to-end freight solutions.

Its services support customers across different industries and may include:

• Air freight
• Ocean freight
• Road freight
• Import operations
• Export operations
• Customs-related documentation
• Cargo coordination
• Freight administration
• Supply-chain support

The company’s broader purpose is to connect people and improve lives through reliable logistics services.

About the DHL Learnership Programme

The DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Programme is designed to give unemployed youth an opportunity to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience.

Successful candidates will complete a Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 qualification over 12 months.

The programme aims to help learners:

• Understand freight-forwarding operations
• Gain exposure to import and export processes
• Develop workplace administration skills
• Learn how logistics documents are handled
• Work with operational systems
• Improve computer and communication skills
• Gain practical experience in a global company
• Strengthen future employment prospects

This programme is not intended for people who are currently employed or studying.

What Is Clearing and Forwarding?

Clearing and forwarding is an important part of international trade and logistics.

Freight-forwarding companies help businesses transport goods from one country or location to another. They coordinate the movement of cargo and manage important documents connected to imports, exports, customs and transport.

A clearing and forwarding learner may gain exposure to activities such as:

• Receiving shipping documents
• Checking import and export information
• Capturing freight details
• Filing customs-related documents
• Tracking shipments
• Supporting cargo movement
• Updating operational systems
• Communicating with internal teams
• Preparing basic reports
• Organising transport information

The exact duties will depend on the team, department and operational requirements.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting Import and Export Processes

The successful learner will support import and export activities under direct supervision.

This may include:

• Receiving shipment information
• Checking documentation
• Supporting import processes
• Supporting export processes
• Capturing operational details
• Updating shipment records
• Following established procedures
• Assisting colleagues with routine tasks

Learners will not be expected to manage complex freight activities independently at the beginning of the programme.

Receiving and Checking Documents

Freight-forwarding operations involve large amounts of documentation.

The learner may assist with:

• Receiving documents
• Checking that information is complete
• Reconciling documents
• Organising paperwork
• Combining information from different records
• Summarising basic shipment details
• Reporting missing information
• Filing completed documents

Accuracy is important because incorrect documentation can delay shipments or affect customer service.

Supporting Operational Systems

The learner will help maintain operational systems according to instructions.

Possible tasks may include:

• Capturing information
• Updating shipment details
• Checking system records
• Saving documents
• Following system workflows
• Reporting incorrect or missing information
• Maintaining accurate electronic records

Computer literacy and willingness to learn new systems will be useful.

Completing Back-Office Duties

The programme includes general back-office responsibilities such as:

• Scanning documents
• Filing
• Data capturing
• Preparing reports
• Organising records
• Updating databases
• Supporting administrative processes

These tasks help ensure that freight operations remain properly documented.

Following Standard Procedures

Learners must follow defined processes, systems and methods when completing assigned work.

This means they will be expected to:

• Follow instructions
• Use approved templates
• Complete tasks in the correct order
• Meet deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality
• Ask for guidance when uncertain
• Avoid making unauthorised changes

Following procedures is essential in freight and logistics because shipments often involve legal, customs and customer requirements.

Working With Colleagues

The learner will mainly interact with members of their own team.

They may:

• Receive instructions from supervisors
• Ask questions
• Provide task updates
• Share basic operational information
• Assist colleagues
• Report problems
• Participate in team activities

Good teamwork and respectful communication will be important.

Handling Task-Related Issues

The learner may encounter problems such as:

• Missing documents
• Incorrect information
• Delayed responses
• System errors
• Incomplete records
• Unclear instructions

They will be expected to raise these issues appropriately and maintain positive working relationships.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 or a relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualification
• At least 65% in Matric English
• Between 18 and 30 years old
• South African citizen
• Currently unemployed
• Not currently studying
• Available to participate in the full 12-month programme

Computer knowledge, especially Microsoft Office, will be advantageous.

Accepted Qualifications

Applicants may qualify with:

• Grade 12 or Matric
• Transport qualification
• Logistics qualification
• Business qualification
• Another relevant qualification

Candidates applying with Matric must meet the stated English requirement.

English Requirement

Applicants need at least 65% in Matric English.

This requirement is important because the programme involves:

• Reading freight documents
• Writing emails
• Capturing information
• Understanding instructions
• Preparing reports
• Communicating with colleagues
• Interpreting shipment details

Applicants should ensure that their academic records clearly show their English result.

Age Requirement

Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old.

Applicants outside this age range may not qualify for this intake.

Employment and Study Status

Applicants must not be:

• Currently employed
• Currently studying

The programme is specifically aimed at unemployed youth who are available to complete the 12-month learnership.

Candidates should answer all employment and study-status questions honestly because DHL may verify this information.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office knowledge will be an advantage.

Useful skills may include:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Email communication
• Data capturing
• File management
• Scanning documents
• Saving and retrieving electronic records

Applicants without advanced computer skills should still mention any basic digital experience they have.

What Learners May Gain

Practical Workplace Experience

Participants will gain exposure to a professional freight-forwarding environment.

NQF Level 5 Learning

Successful learners will enrol in the Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 programme.

Industry Knowledge

Learners may develop knowledge of:

• Imports
• Exports
• Freight documentation
• Cargo movement
• Logistics systems
• Operational administration
• International trade support

Professional Development

The programme may help participants improve:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Accuracy
• Workplace discipline
• Problem-solving
• Computer literacy
• Administrative skills

Future Career Opportunities

DHL states that possible further career development may be available.

However, applicants should not assume that completing the programme guarantees permanent employment.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may suit:

• Unemployed Matric graduates
• Young people interested in logistics
• Transport and logistics graduates
• Business studies graduates
• Applicants interested in imports and exports
• Entry-level administrative job seekers
• Candidates interested in international trade
• Youth seeking structured workplace experience

Personal Qualities That May Help You Succeed

Attention to Detail

Freight documents and shipment records must be handled accurately.

Willingness to Learn

Learners must be open to training, feedback and new systems.

Reliability

Participants should attend work and training consistently.

Communication

Good communication helps learners understand instructions and work with colleagues.

Organisation

The role involves documents, systems, files and deadlines.

Teamwork

Learners will mainly support and interact with their own team.

Professionalism

Participants should maintain respectful and responsible workplace behaviour.

Documents to Prepare

Applicants should prepare:

• Updated CV
• South African ID
• Matric certificate
• Academic transcript or results showing English marks
• Relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualification
• Additional certificates
• Proof of unemployment if requested
• Other documents required by the application system

Make sure all documents are clear and readable.

How to Apply for the DHL Learnership

Applications should be submitted through the official DHL careers platform.

Step 1: Find the Official Vacancy

Search for the vacancy using the reference number:

AV-366612

Use the official DHL careers website:

https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

Step 2: Read the Requirements Carefully

Before applying, confirm that you:

• Are between 18 and 30 years old
• Are a South African citizen
• Are unemployed
• Are not studying
• Have Matric or a relevant qualification
• Achieved at least 65% in Matric English
• Are available for 12 months

Step 3: Update Your CV

Your CV should include:

• Full name
• Contact number
• Professional email address
• Residential area
• South African citizenship
• Date of birth
• Matric details
• English result
• Additional qualifications
• Computer skills
• Volunteer or work experience
• Contactable references

Keep the CV simple and professional.

Step 4: Highlight Relevant Skills

Include relevant abilities such as:

• Microsoft Office
• Data capturing
• Filing
• Document checking
• Administration
• Customer service
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Logistics knowledge

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Enter all required information accurately.

The application may ask for:

• Personal information
• Contact details
• Education
• Employment status
• Study status
• Citizenship
• Age
• Work experience
• Supporting documents

Step 6: Upload Your Documents

Upload clear copies of your:

• CV
• ID
• Matric certificate
• Academic results
• Relevant qualification
• Other requested documents

Step 7: Review Your Application

Before submitting, check that:

• Your phone number is correct
• Your email address works
• Your English result is visible
• Your employment status is correct
• Your study status is correct
• All documents are attached
• Your CV has no major errors

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Submit the application through the official DHL system.

Save the confirmation email or reference number where possible.

CV Summary Example

A suitable CV summary may read:

Motivated and detail-oriented South African Matric graduate seeking an opportunity through the DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Programme. I have strong communication, administrative and computer skills, achieved 65% or more in English, and am eager to build a career in freight forwarding, imports, exports and logistics.

Only use this wording if it accurately reflects your qualifications.

Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Team

I would like to apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership Programme. I have completed Grade 12 and meet the required English result. I am currently unemployed and not studying.

I am interested in developing a career in freight forwarding and logistics. I am organised, willing to learn and comfortable working with documents, computers and administrative tasks. I would value the opportunity to gain practical experience within DHL Global Forwarding and contribute positively to the team.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards
[Your Name]

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Applying while currently employed
• Applying while studying
• Applying outside the age requirement
• Failing to include your English result
• Uploading an outdated CV
• Using incorrect contact details
• Uploading unclear documents
• Providing false information
• Missing required certificates
• Applying through unofficial links

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the programme based?

The programme is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

How long is the learnership?

The programme runs for 12 months.

What qualification will learners complete?

Successful candidates will enrol in a Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 learnership.

What education is required?

Applicants need Grade 12 or a relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualification.

What English mark is required?

Matric applicants need at least 65% in English.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

Can employed people apply?

No. Applicants must be unemployed.

Can students apply?

No. Applicants must not currently be studying.

Is computer knowledge required?

Microsoft Office knowledge is advantageous.

Does the learnership guarantee permanent employment?

No permanent appointment is guaranteed, although DHL mentions possible further career development.

Why Join DHL Global Forwarding?

DHL Global Forwarding offers participants exposure to one of the world’s largest logistics networks.

The company promotes:

• Respect
• Results
• Learning
• Professional development
• Global teamwork
• Customer service
• Operational excellence

Its stated vision is to be The Logistics Company for the World, while its purpose focuses on connecting people and improving lives.

Final Thoughts

The DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain practical experience and complete a Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 programme.

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, have Grade 12 or a relevant qualification, achieve at least 65% in Matric English, and must not currently be employed or studying.

Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare a professional CV, academic records and supporting documents, then apply through the official DHL careers platform using reference number AV-366612.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY