The logistics industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, connecting businesses, products and people across international borders every day. As global trade continues to expand, companies are looking for skilled professionals who understand freight forwarding, customs documentation and international supply chains. For unemployed South African youth, a learnership provides an excellent opportunity to gain both a nationally recognised qualification and practical workplace experience.

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF) is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Learnership Programme 2026/2027. Successful candidates will complete a 12-month Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership, combining classroom learning with practical workplace experience in international freight forwarding. The programme is aimed at improving employability while preparing learners for careers in logistics and supply chain management.

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About DHL Global Forwarding

DHL is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, operating in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Through DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF), the company specialises in:

• Air Freight
• Ocean Freight
• Road Freight
• Customs Services
• Supply Chain Solutions
• International Logistics

The organisation provides transport and logistics solutions to customers across numerous industries, making it one of the most recognised logistics brands globally.

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About the DHL Learnership Programme 2026/2027

The DHL Learnership Programme has been developed to provide unemployed youth with both theoretical and practical training in freight forwarding.

Successful learners will complete the:

Clearing and Forwarding Agent – NQF Level 5

qualification over 12 months.

The programme combines structured learning with workplace exposure, allowing learners to develop industry knowledge while gaining valuable practical experience.

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Programme Overview

• Programme: DHL Learnership Programme 2026/2027
• Qualification: Clearing and Forwarding Agent (NQF Level 5)
• Duration: 12 Months
• Industry: Freight Forwarding & Logistics
• Target Group: Unemployed South African Youth

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What You Will Learn

Throughout the programme, learners will gain practical exposure to import and export operations within an international logistics environment.

Training includes both theoretical knowledge and workplace experience.

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Import and Export Operations

Learners will assist with supporting import and export processes under supervision.

This includes understanding how international shipments are managed from origin to destination while ensuring customer requirements are met.

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Freight Documentation

Participants will gain experience handling documentation such as:

• Receiving documents
• Reconciling information
• Consolidating records
• Summarising documentation
• Supporting shipment processing

Accurate documentation is essential in international logistics and customs operations.

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Operational Systems

Learners will also assist in maintaining operational systems by:

• Updating information
• Following operational procedures
• Supporting internal processes
• Working according to company systems

This helps develop an understanding of modern logistics technology and business processes.

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Administrative Support

The programme includes practical exposure to office administration, including:

• Scanning documents
• Filing records
• Preparing reports
• General administrative support
• Back-office operations

Administrative accuracy is an important part of freight forwarding.

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Working Within a Team

Learners will work closely with experienced colleagues while:

• Following established procedures
• Supporting operational teams
• Communicating with team members
• Building professional workplace relationships

This practical exposure helps learners understand how international logistics operations function.

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Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Be unemployed
• Not currently be studying
• Have completed Grade 12 (Matric)

Alternatively, applicants with a relevant qualification in:

• Transport and Logistics
• Business
• Related fields

may also be considered.

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English Requirement

Applicants must have:

Matric English (Minimum 65%)

Candidates should ensure their Matric certificate clearly reflects their English result before applying.

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Computer Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office will be advantageous.

Applicants with experience using:

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• Outlook
• PowerPoint

may have an advantage during the selection process.

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Skills You’ll Develop

During the learnership, participants can strengthen practical skills in:

• Freight forwarding
• Import and export administration
• Logistics operations
• Supply chain processes
• Customer service
• Documentation management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Administrative support
• International trade operations

These skills are highly transferable across the logistics and transport industry.

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Why Consider a Freight Forwarding Career?

Freight forwarding professionals play a key role in moving goods across international borders.

Career opportunities exist within:

• Logistics companies
• Shipping lines
• Airlines
• Customs agencies
• Distribution companies
• Warehousing
• Import and export businesses
• Supply chain management

As global trade continues to grow, demand for skilled logistics professionals remains strong.

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Thabang Maimela’s Tip

One requirement many applicants overlook is the minimum 65% for Matric English. If you meet this requirement, make sure it’s clearly visible on your CV and Matric certificate. Since logistics is built around communication and documentation, recruiters will also value candidates with good computer skills, attention to detail and the ability to organise information accurately. Even if you’ve never worked before, mention any school leadership roles, volunteer work or administrative experience that demonstrates responsibility.

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Career Opportunities After Completion

Completing the learnership can prepare participants for entry-level careers such as:

• Clearing and Forwarding Agent
• Freight Forwarding Administrator
• Import Administrator
• Export Administrator
• Logistics Coordinator
• Supply Chain Administrator
• Shipping Clerk
• Customs Documentation Clerk

DHL also notes that the programme may provide opportunities for further career development within the organisation.

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Employment Equity

Selection will be conducted in accordance with DHL’s Employment Equity Policy.

Applicants who meet the programme requirements are encouraged to apply.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official DHL Careers Portal before the closing date.

Before applying, prepare the following documents:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Relevant Transport & Logistics or Business qualification (if applicable)
• Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process

Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting your application. Apply Now.

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Launch Your Logistics Career with DHL

The DHL Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 qualification while developing practical workplace experience with one of the world’s leading logistics companies.

If you are between 18 and 30 years old, unemployed, have Matric with at least 65% in English, and are looking to build a career in logistics, international trade or supply chain management, this learnership is an excellent opportunity to begin your professional journey.

Closing Date: Not Specified

Disclaimer

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