DHL Global Forwarding South Africa is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership Programme 2026/2027. The programme offers formal training together with practical workplace experience in the freight-forwarding and logistics industry, making it an excellent opportunity for young people who want to start a career in imports, exports, customs clearing and international logistics.
Successful applicants will enrol in a 12-month NQF Level 5 Clearing and Forwarding Agent learnership and receive exposure to real operational processes used within a global logistics environment. Although the vacancy does not specify a closing date, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while the opportunity remains available on the DHL careers portal.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | DHL Global Forwarding SA (Pty) Limited |
| Programme | Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership |
| Job Reference | AV-366612 |
| Qualification | NQF Level 5 |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Age Requirement | 18–30 years |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 with 65% in English |
| Employment Type | Temporary learnership contract |
| Closing Date | Not specified |
| Application Method | Online through the DHL careers portal |
About DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding is one of the world’s leading logistics providers, specialising in international freight forwarding, customs clearance, air freight, ocean freight and supply chain solutions. The company operates in more than 220 countries and territories and provides logistics services to businesses across the globe. Through programmes such as this learnership, DHL helps young South Africans gain practical skills and recognised qualifications within the transport and logistics industry.
Purpose of the Learnership
The programme is designed to provide unemployed learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience in freight forwarding and clearing operations. Participants will develop an understanding of how international shipments are processed, documented and supported within a professional logistics environment.
Successful learners may gain exposure to:
- Import and export processes
- Freight-forwarding documentation
- Operational support systems
- Document reconciliation
- Data capturing and reporting
- Filing and scanning procedures
- Back-office administration
- Workplace communication
- Customer and team support
- International logistics operations
The programme aims to improve participants’ future employment prospects within the transport, logistics and freight-forwarding sectors.
Qualification on Completion
Learners will work towards a Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 qualification. Completion of both the classroom-based learning and the practical workplace component will be compulsory.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Be currently unemployed
- Not be studying at another institution
- Have completed Grade 12 / Matric
- Have achieved at least 65% in English
- Be available for the full 12-month programme
- Meet DHL’s employment-equity requirements
A relevant qualification in Transport and Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Freight Forwarding or Business may also be considered, but Grade 12 remains an acceptable minimum qualification.
Grade 12 Requirements
Candidates must have:
- A Grade 12 / Matric qualification
- A minimum of 65% in English
Applicants should ensure that their Matric certificate or statement of results clearly shows their English mark. The advertisement does not specify minimum marks for other subjects.
Additional Qualifications That May Be Considered
Applicants who already hold post-school qualifications in related fields may also be considered, including:
- Transport Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Freight Forwarding
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Other related transport, logistics or business qualifications
These qualifications are advantageous but not compulsory.
Import and Export Support
Learners will assist with import and export activities under supervision. Duties may include:
- Assisting with import documentation
- Supporting export documentation
- Checking shipment information
- Organising shipment-related records
- Following operational instructions
- Escalating incomplete or incorrect information
- Supporting freight-service delivery
- Maintaining accurate operational records
This exposure helps learners understand how international shipments move through the logistics chain.
Freight Documentation Duties
Documentation accuracy is critical in freight forwarding. Learners may perform tasks such as:
- Receiving and checking documents
- Reconciling shipment information
- Consolidating operational records
- Summarising information for supervisors
- Scanning and filing documents
- Updating operational records
- Preparing basic reports
Strong attention to detail will be important because incorrect documentation can affect shipment processing and customs procedures.
Operational Systems Support
Participants may also support operational systems by:
- Capturing shipment information
- Updating electronic records
- Checking system entries for accuracy
- Following approved operational processes
- Reporting system-related issues
- Supporting colleagues with routine operational tasks
The role is designed to help learners become comfortable working with structured logistics systems and electronic records.
Back-Office Administration
The learnership includes a significant administrative component. Learners may assist with:
Fresh listings:
- Scanning
- Filing
- Reporting
- Data capturing
- Document control
- Record keeping
- Organising operational information
- Supporting internal administrative processes
Applicants should be comfortable completing routine administrative work accurately and on time.
Communication and Teamwork
Learners will work closely with members of their own team and other operational departments. They will be expected to:
- Communicate basic operational information
- Follow instructions carefully
- Ask for guidance when necessary
- Support colleagues professionally
- Maintain positive workplace relationships
- Raise task-related problems appropriately
- Work cooperatively toward team objectives
Professional communication will be important throughout the programme.
Computer Skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office will be advantageous. Useful skills include:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Email communication
- Data capturing
- Electronic filing
- Online systems
- Basic reporting tools
Applicants should list any relevant computer skills clearly in their CVs.
Skills and Personal Attributes
DHL is likely to look for candidates who demonstrate:
- Willingness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Time management
- Ability to follow instructions
- Basic administrative ability
- Professional conduct
- Interest in freight forwarding and logistics
- Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately
- Willingness to work in a structured environment
These qualities are particularly important in logistics operations, where accuracy and consistency are essential.
Who Should Apply?
This learnership is suitable for:
- Unemployed Grade 12 graduates
- Young people interested in logistics and supply chain operations
- Applicants interested in freight forwarding and customs-clearing processes
- Transport and Logistics graduates seeking workplace exposure
- Business qualification graduates looking for their first industry opportunity
- Candidates interested in import and export operations
- Young people who can work in Johannesburg for the duration of the programme
Learnership Duration
The programme will run for 12 months. Successful candidates must be available for the entire period. The learnership provides temporary training and workplace experience, and permanent employment after completion is not guaranteed.
Learnership Stipend
The advertisement does not specify the monthly stipend or remuneration. Applicants should wait for official communication from DHL regarding payment, benefits and contractual conditions.
Documents You May Need
The vacancy does not provide a complete supporting-document list, but applicants may be requested to upload:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- South African ID copy
- Grade 12 certificate
- Matric statement of results
- Copies of relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualifications
- Academic transcript
- Any additional documents requested through the DHL careers portal
Always follow the instructions displayed during the online application process.
How to Apply for the DHL Clearing and Forwarding Learnership 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted through the official DHL careers portal. When searching for the opportunity, use the following details:
- Position: Learner
- Job Reference: AV-366612
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Applicants should:
- Open the official DHL vacancy page.
- Create or sign in to a candidate profile.
- Complete all compulsory application fields.
- Enter the correct Grade 12 and English results.
- Upload an updated CV.
- Upload any requested supporting documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the application while the vacancy remains available.
Application Closing Date
The closing date has not been specified in the vacancy information provided. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible while the opportunity remains available on the DHL careers portal.
Employment Equity
Selection will be conducted in accordance with DHL’s Employment Equity Policy. DHL Global Forwarding states that it is an equal-opportunity employer and evaluates suitably qualified applicants according to applicable employment and equality requirements.
Important Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm that:
- ✔ You are a South African citizen
- ✔ You are between 18 and 30 years old
- ✔ You are currently unemployed
- ✔ You are not studying
- ✔ You completed Grade 12
- ✔ You achieved at least 65% in English
- ✔ Your CV is updated
- ✔ Your contact information is correct
- ✔ Your computer skills are included
- ✔ Your relevant qualifications are listed
- ✔ You selected job reference AV-366612
- ✔ Your application is submitted through the official DHL careers portal
Final Thoughts
The DHL Clearing and Forwarding Learnership Programme 2026/2027 offers unemployed young South Africans a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience while working towards an NQF Level 5 qualification in freight forwarding and clearing operations.
With exposure to import and export processes, freight documentation, operational systems and administrative support functions, the programme can provide a strong foundation for future careers in logistics, customs clearing, international trade and supply chain management.
Because no closing date has been specified, eligible candidates should prepare their documents and submit their applications as soon as possible while the opportunity remains open.