Are you an unemployed South African youth looking to build a career in the logistics and freight forwarding industry? The DHL Global Forwarding Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers an opportunity for eligible candidates to gain valuable workplace experience while completing a 12-month Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership.

This learnership is designed to provide participants with a combination of theoretical training and practical workplace exposure. Successful learners will develop knowledge of freight forwarding, import and export operations, logistics administration, and customer service within one of the world’s leading logistics companies.

This guide explains the programme, eligibility requirements, learning opportunities, and application tips to help interested candidates prepare a strong application.

Learnership Overview

Programme: DHL Global Forwarding Learnership 2026/2027

Qualification:
Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5

Programme Duration:
12 Months

Employment Type:
Temporary Learnership

Location:
Johannesburg, Gauteng

Company:
DHL Global Forwarding South Africa (Pty) Ltd

About DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding is part of the DHL Group, an international logistics company operating in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company specialises in air freight, ocean freight, road freight, customs services, and supply chain solutions.

With decades of experience in international logistics, DHL supports businesses across various industries by providing transportation and freight forwarding services that connect global markets.

The organisation is also committed to developing future talent through structured learning programmes that help young people gain practical industry experience.

About the Learnership Programme

The DHL Global Forwarding Learnership is aimed at unemployed South African youth who want to gain practical experience in freight forwarding and logistics.

The programme combines classroom-based learning with structured workplace experience. Learners will have the opportunity to develop practical knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals.

The focus of the programme is to improve employability by providing both technical and workplace skills relevant to the logistics industry.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the programme, learners may gain exposure to areas such as:

Freight forwarding operations
Import procedures
Export procedures
Logistics administration
Documentation management
Customs processes
Customer service
Operational support
Supply chain activities
Workplace communication

This practical experience helps learners understand how international freight operations function in a professional business environment.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements before applying:

Must have a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or a relevant Transport, Logistics, or Business qualification.
Must have achieved at least 65% in English in Matric.
Must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
Must be a South African citizen.
Must be unemployed.
Must not currently be studying.
Basic computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office, will be advantageous.

Applicants should carefully review the official requirements before submitting an application.

Who Should Apply?

This programme may be suitable for:

Recent Matric graduates.
Unemployed young people.
Individuals interested in logistics careers.
Candidates interested in freight forwarding.
Applicants seeking workplace experience.
Individuals who enjoy administration and customer service.
Candidates looking to develop professional skills.

The programme is intended to support young people entering the logistics industry for the first time.

APPLY

Key Responsibilities During the Programme

Successful learners may assist with a variety of operational activities.

These may include:

Import and Export Support

Learners may help support import and export processes by:

Assisting with shipment administration.
Processing documentation.
Supporting freight operations.
Following established procedures.
Updating operational records.

Exposure to these activities provides valuable industry knowledge.

Documentation

The role includes administrative responsibilities such as:

Receiving documents.
Reconciling documentation.
Organising files.
Summarising information.
Preparing reports.
Maintaining accurate records.

Attention to detail is important because documentation plays a significant role in logistics operations.

Administrative Support

Learners may also assist with:

Filing documents.
Scanning paperwork.
Maintaining electronic records.
Completing administrative tasks.
Supporting office operations.

Administrative skills are valuable across many industries and contribute to efficient business operations.

Operational Systems

Participants may gain experience using company systems by:

Updating operational information.
Supporting system processes.
Following workplace procedures.
Recording shipment information.
Maintaining accurate business records.

Learning workplace systems helps prepare participants for future employment opportunities.

Teamwork

Learners will work alongside experienced colleagues and may:

Support team activities.
Participate in daily operations.
Communicate with supervisors.
Assist with departmental tasks.
Contribute to workplace objectives.

Teamwork is an important part of professional development.

Skills That Can Help You Succeed

Successful learners often demonstrate the following qualities:

Good communication skills.
Willingness to learn.
Attention to detail.
Organisation.
Time management.
Computer literacy.
Problem-solving ability.
Professional behaviour.
Reliability.
Positive attitude.
Teamwork.

Developing these skills during the programme can improve future career opportunities.

Computer Skills

Although not always compulsory, applicants with knowledge of Microsoft Office may have an advantage.

Useful computer skills include:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Basic computer literacy
Data capturing

Technology plays an important role in modern logistics operations.

Benefits of Participating

A learnership offers several potential advantages.

Participants may benefit from:

Structured workplace learning.
Industry-related training.
Practical logistics experience.
Professional development.
Exposure to international freight operations.
Improved employability.
Experience working within a global organisation.

While successful completion of a learnership does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained may strengthen future job applications.

Documents to Prepare

Before applying, applicants should prepare:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Certified copy of South African ID.
Certified copy of Grade 12 certificate.
Relevant qualifications (if applicable).
Academic records where requested.
Supporting documents required by the employer.

Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and easy to read.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

Update your CV with your latest information.
Highlight any logistics, administration, or customer service experience.
Include computer skills.
Mention extracurricular achievements where relevant.
Check your application carefully before submitting.
Ensure all requested documents are attached.

A complete and well-presented application demonstrates professionalism.

Employment Equity

DHL Global Forwarding states that appointments are made in accordance with the company’s Employment Equity Policy. The organisation aims to promote equal employment opportunities while developing talented individuals within its workforce.

Career Opportunities After the Learnership

Experience gained during a freight forwarding learnership may support future career opportunities in areas such as:

Freight forwarding
Logistics
Supply chain management
Warehouse administration
Shipping coordination
Customs administration
Import and export administration
Customer service
Distribution
Transport operations

The knowledge acquired may also be useful in many industries that rely on supply chain and logistics services.