DHL Global Forwarding is inviting unemployed South African youth to apply for its Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership 2026/2027 in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The 12-month programme provides an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while working towards a nationally recognised NQF Level 5 Clearing and Forwarding Agent qualification.
The opportunity is aimed at young South Africans between the ages of 18 and 30 who have a Grade 12 certificate and achieved at least 65% for English, or who hold a relevant qualification in Transport, Logistics or Business.
For unemployed youth trying to enter the logistics and supply chain industry, the programme offers an opportunity to combine formal training with practical workplace exposure at a global logistics organisation.
The learnership is particularly relevant to candidates interested in logistics management, supply chain management, freight forwarding, import and export operations, customs administration, procurement, warehousing and business administration.
There is currently no fixed closing date published for the opportunity. However, applications may close once the available positions have been filled. Eligible candidates should therefore apply as soon as possible.
DHL Global Forwarding Learnership 2026/2027 Overview
DHL Global Forwarding forms part of DHL Group and specialises in international freight forwarding. Its operations connect businesses and markets through air, ocean and road freight services.
For learners, this creates an opportunity to gain exposure to an international logistics environment and understand how goods move through complex supply chains.
| Job Details | Information |
| Company | DHL Global Forwarding |
| Programme | Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership |
| Programme Year | 2026/2027 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Qualification | Clearing and Forwarding Agent |
| NQF Level | Level 5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 30 years |
| Minimum Education | Grade 12 / Matric |
| English Requirement | At least 65% |
| Employment Status | Currently unemployed |
| Closing Date | Not specified; may close when positions are filled |
The programme is designed to provide both theoretical learning and practical workplace experience.
About the DHL Global Forwarding Learnership
The logistics industry plays an important role in connecting manufacturers, retailers, exporters, importers and consumers.
Before products reach their final destinations, they often pass through multiple stages involving transportation, documentation, customs, warehousing and freight coordination.
Clearing and forwarding professionals help manage these processes and ensure that shipments move efficiently through the relevant procedures.
The DHL Global Forwarding learnership provides learners with an introduction to this environment while they work towards an NQF Level 5 qualification.
The 12-month programme combines classroom-based learning with practical workplace training.
This approach can be particularly valuable for young people who have completed Matric but have not yet secured formal work experience.
What Is a Clearing and Forwarding Agent?
A clearing and forwarding agent works within the freight and logistics environment, assisting with the movement of goods between different locations and countries.
The work involves more than simply transporting products. International shipments can require documentation, customs processes, data capturing, communication with customers and coordination between different parties.
Learners therefore have an opportunity to develop an understanding of how supply chains operate.
The qualification can provide a foundation for future careers involving:
- Freight forwarding.
- Import and export administration.
- Customs processes.
- Logistics coordination.
- Supply chain administration.
- Transport operations.
- Shipping.
- Warehousing.
- Customer service.
- Documentation management.
What Will You Learn?
The learnership is designed to develop practical knowledge and workplace skills relevant to clearing and forwarding.
Learners can expect exposure to several important areas.
Freight Forwarding and Logistics
Participants will learn about freight forwarding fundamentals and logistics operations.
This can help them understand how goods are transported and coordinated through different stages of the supply chain.
Logistics professionals need to understand timing, documentation, transportation requirements and communication between different stakeholders.
Import and Export Documentation
International trade depends heavily on accurate documentation.
Learners will gain exposure to import and export documentation, including customs-related paperwork.
Attention to detail is particularly important because errors in documentation can cause delays and create operational problems.
Developing strong administrative and documentation skills can therefore be an important part of a learner’s professional development.
Clearing and Forwarding Procedures
The programme will introduce learners to clearing and forwarding procedures and the processes involved in moving freight.
This practical knowledge can help participants understand how freight companies operate and how different departments contribute to successful shipments.
Customer Service
Logistics is also a customer-focused industry.
Learners can develop professional communication skills while interacting with customers and other stakeholders.
They may learn how to communicate information clearly, respond to queries and maintain professional relationships.
Supply Chain Administration
The programme also provides exposure to supply chain administration and operational reporting.
This can be useful for learners who eventually want to pursue careers in supply chain management, procurement, logistics management or business administration.
Data Capturing and Office Administration
Modern logistics companies depend heavily on accurate information.
Learners will gain exposure to documentation management, data capturing and office administration.
Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office can therefore give applicants an advantage when adapting to the workplace.
Who Can Apply?
The learnership is aimed at unemployed South African youth who meet the specified requirements.
Applicants should:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Have a Grade 12 / Matric certificate.
- Have achieved at least 65% for English, or hold a relevant qualification in Transport, Logistics or Business.
- Be currently unemployed.
- Not be studying full-time.
- Have basic computer literacy.
- Have good communication skills.
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
- Be willing to learn and develop professionally.
Applicants should carefully review the official advert to confirm that they meet the relevant eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Relevant Qualifications for the Learnership
The opportunity may also be relevant to candidates who have completed qualifications related to:
- Transport.
- Logistics.
- Supply chain.
- Business.
- Business administration.
- Freight and forwarding.
- Related commercial fields.
Candidates with relevant qualifications should include them clearly on their CVs and provide copies where requested.
Skills and Competencies DHL May Look For
Academic qualifications are only one part of workplace readiness.
Successful candidates should also demonstrate practical and interpersonal qualities.
Important skills include:
- Good verbal communication.
- Good written communication.
- Computer literacy.
- Attention to detail.
- Organisation.
- Time management.
- Teamwork.
- Problem-solving.
- Willingness to learn.
- Professional conduct.
These skills are transferable across the logistics industry and can remain useful as learners progress into more specialised positions.
Estimated Salary and Benefits
The information supplied for this opportunity does not disclose a monthly stipend or detailed employee benefits package.
Therefore, applicants should not assume a specific salary, medical aid or pension arrangement unless these are confirmed by DHL as part of the official programme terms.
| Salary / Benefit | Estimated or Confirmed Information |
| Monthly stipend | Not disclosed in the supplied vacancy information |
| Medical Aid | Not specified |
| Pension Fund | Not specified |
| Life Insurance | Not specified |
| Disability Cover | Not specified |
| Employee Wellness | Not specified |
| Bonuses | Not specified |
| Paid Leave | Not specified |
| Training Opportunities | Yes – structured learnership training |
| Qualification | Clearing and Forwarding Agent, NQF Level 5 |
| Workplace Experience | Yes – practical training in a logistics environment |
| Programme Duration | 12 months |
For applicants, the most significant confirmed benefits are the structured training, workplace exposure and NQF Level 5 qualification.
Candidates should confirm any stipend and additional benefits directly through the official recruitment process.
Why Apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Learnership?
Starting a career without previous work experience can be challenging. A learnership can help bridge the gap between education and employment by allowing candidates to develop practical workplace skills.
The DHL programme can provide several potential advantages.
Gain Global Industry Exposure
Learners will have the opportunity to gain workplace experience within an international logistics organisation.
This can provide exposure to professional standards, systems and processes used within freight forwarding.
Earn a Recognised Qualification
The programme leads towards a Clearing and Forwarding Agent qualification at NQF Level 5.
A recognised qualification can strengthen a CV and support further career development.
Build Practical Experience
Learners can apply what they learn in a real workplace environment.
This can help them develop examples of practical responsibilities to discuss during future job applications and interviews.
Develop Professional Networks
Working alongside experienced employees can help learners understand different career pathways within logistics and supply chain management.
Improve Employability
A combination of formal training and practical experience can make candidates better prepared for future employment opportunities.
Career Opportunities After the Learnership
Completing the learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment with DHL. However, the qualification and practical experience can support future applications.
Potential career pathways include:
- Clearing and Forwarding Agent.
- Freight Forwarding Administrator.
- Logistics Administrator.
- Import Coordinator.
- Export Coordinator.
- Customs Administration Assistant.
- Supply Chain Coordinator.
- Transport Coordinator.
- Shipping Administrator.
- Warehouse Administrator.
- Procurement Administrator.
- Customer Service Consultant.
- Operations Coordinator.
With further education and experience, candidates may progress into supervisory, management or specialist positions within logistics and supply chain operations.
Career Growth in Logistics and Supply Chain
The logistics sector offers several potential career pathways.
An entry-level employee can begin by developing practical experience in administration or freight operations and later specialise in areas such as customs, international freight, supply chain planning, procurement or logistics management.
Additional qualifications can also support career progression.
Professionals may eventually pursue further studies in:
- Logistics management.
- Supply chain management.
- Business administration.
- Transport management.
- Procurement.
- Project management.
- Operations management.
Professional certifications and short online courses can also help workers develop specialised knowledge as their careers progress.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before beginning the online application.
The required documents include:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae.
- South African ID document.
- Matric certificate showing the English mark.
- Copies of relevant Transport, Logistics or Business qualifications.
- Any additional documents requested on the application platform.
Applicants should make sure that their documents are clear and that the information on their CV matches their official qualifications.
How to Apply for the DHL Learnership
Applicants should apply through the official DHL careers platform.
The process involves:
- Preparing an updated CV.
- Preparing digital copies of your ID and Matric certificate.
- Opening the official DHL careers portal.
- Finding the Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learner position in Johannesburg.
- Creating or accessing your candidate profile.
- Completing all required application fields.
- Uploading your CV and supporting documentation.
- Reviewing the information carefully.
- Submitting the completed application.
Applicants should use the official recruitment platform and avoid submitting personal information through unofficial websites or individuals claiming to recruit on DHL’s behalf.
DHL Learnership 2026/2027 Closing Date
The supplied vacancy information does not provide a fixed closing date.
Instead, applications may close once the available positions have been filled.
This means applicants should not wait for a traditional closing date before submitting their applications.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents and apply as soon as possible.
Once the vacancy is removed from the official recruitment platform, late applications may no longer be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The DHL Global Forwarding Clearing and Forwarding Agent Learnership 2026/2027 provides unemployed South African youth with an opportunity to enter the logistics and supply chain industry while gaining practical workplace experience.
The 12-month programme and NQF Level 5 qualification can provide a useful foundation for candidates interested in freight forwarding, customs, logistics, transport, supply chain management and related business careers.
For a young person with Matric and limited or no work experience, gaining exposure to an international logistics organisation can be an important step towards becoming more competitive in the employment market.
The skills developed through the programme can extend beyond freight forwarding. Communication, administration, documentation, data capturing, customer service and operational reporting are valuable across logistics, supply chain, procurement, warehousing and business administration.
If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV, ID and Matric certificate and apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Learnership as soon as possible. There is no published fixed closing date, and the opportunity may close once positions are filled. After applying, continue exploring other logistics jobs, supply chain opportunities, learnerships, internships, graduate programmes, procurement vacancies, warehouse jobs and professional certification opportunities to keep building your career