Are you an unemployed South African youth looking for one of the best logistics learnerships in South Africa? The DHL Learner (Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF 5 Learnership Programme 2026/2027) offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical workplace experience while earning a nationally recognized qualification in the freight forwarding and logistics industry.

DHL Global Forwarding is inviting ambitious young South Africans to apply for its 12-month Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF Level 5 Learnership Programme based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This programme combines classroom learning with practical workplace exposure, helping learners develop valuable skills that improve employability in South Africa’s growing logistics and supply chain sector.

If you are passionate about logistics management, freight forwarding, imports, exports, customs clearance, or international trade, this learnership could become the perfect launchpad for your career.

DHL Learner (Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF 5 Learnership Programme 2026/2027)

About DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding forms part of the DHL Group, one of the world’s largest logistics companies operating in more than 220 countries and territories. The company specializes in air freight, ocean freight, road freight, customs clearance, supply chain solutions, and international logistics services.

For decades, DHL has remained an employer of choice by investing heavily in employee development, innovation, leadership, and continuous learning. Its globally recognized training programmes prepare young professionals for successful careers in logistics and supply chain management.

The company continues to expand its operations while embracing digital transformation, automation, and sustainable logistics solutions.

What is the DHL Learnership Programme?

The DHL Learner (Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF 5 Learnership Programme 2026/2027) is designed specifically for unemployed South African youth who want to build careers within freight forwarding and international logistics.

During the 12-month programme, learners will complete an accredited NQF Level 5 qualification while gaining valuable workplace experience inside one of the world’s leading logistics organizations.

This blend of theory and practical training gives participants real-world knowledge that employers actively seek.

Job Description

Successful learners will support daily freight forwarding operations while receiving structured workplace training.

Daily responsibilities may include:

• Supporting import and export operations
• Assisting with freight documentation
• Receiving and reconciling shipping documents
• Maintaining operational systems
• Scanning and filing documents
• Preparing reports
• Updating logistics records
• Supporting customer service teams
• Assisting with customs documentation
• Working alongside experienced freight forwarding professionals
• Following company procedures and compliance requirements
• Learning international shipping processes

This role provides exposure to the complete freight forwarding process, making it an outstanding foundation for future logistics careers.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• English mark of at least 65%
• Relevant Transport & Logistics or Business qualification will be advantageous
• South African citizen
• Between 18 and 30 years old
• Currently unemployed
• Not studying full-time
• Basic computer literacy
• Microsoft Office knowledge will be advantageous
• Willingness to learn
• Good communication skills
• Positive attitude
• Team player

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Recent matriculants
• TVET College graduates
• Transport and Logistics graduates
• Business Administration graduates
• Young people seeking work experience
• First-time job seekers
• Individuals interested in international trade
• Youth wanting careers in logistics management

Skills You Will Learn

One of the biggest advantages of joining DHL is the practical skills gained during the programme.

These include:

Freight Forwarding

Understanding global shipping processes.

Customs Clearance

Learning import and export regulations.

Documentation Management

Preparing and organizing shipping documentation.

Supply Chain Operations

Understanding end-to-end logistics.

Customer Service

Supporting clients with freight enquiries.

Communication

Working with local and international teams.

Computer Skills

Using logistics software and Microsoft Office.

Time Management

Handling multiple logistics activities efficiently.

Estimated Learnership Earnings

DHL has not publicly disclosed the monthly learner allowance for this programme.

Based on comparable NQF Level 5 logistics learnerships in South Africa, learners may typically receive an estimated monthly stipend of:

Please note: These figures are estimates only. DHL has not officially confirmed the stipend amount.

Employee Benefits

Although this is a temporary learnership, participants can expect several valuable benefits, including:

Workplace Training

Practical experience inside a global logistics company.

National Qualification

Completion of a nationally recognized NQF Level 5 qualification.

Professional Mentorship

Guidance from experienced logistics professionals.

Career Development

Exposure to international logistics operations.

Networking Opportunities

Building professional relationships within the logistics industry.

Future Employment Opportunities

High-performing learners may become competitive candidates for future vacancies within DHL or other logistics companies.

Benefits such as Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Life Insurance, Disability Cover, Paid Leave, and Performance Bonuses have not been specified for this learnership and may not apply to temporary learner positions.

Career Growth Opportunities

This learnership opens doors to many higher-paying careers.

Possible career paths include:

• Freight Forwarding Specialist
• Customs Clearing Agent
• Logistics Coordinator
• Supply Chain Administrator
• Shipping Controller
• Distribution Planner
• Import & Export Controller
• Procurement Officer
• Warehouse Supervisor
• Operations Coordinator
• Logistics Analyst
• International Trade Specialist
• Supply Chain Manager

With experience and additional qualifications, professionals in these fields can earn significantly higher salaries while working in multinational companies.

Transferable Skills

The knowledge gained through this learnership is valuable across multiple industries.

Employers highly value skills such as:

• Business Administration
• Data capturing
• Customer service
• Documentation management
• Inventory coordination
• Microsoft Office
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Report writing

These transferable skills can support careers in logistics, procurement, warehousing, manufacturing, retail, government departments, banking operations, and other private sector employment opportunities.

Industry Outlook in South Africa

South Africa’s logistics and supply chain sector continues to experience strong demand due to the country’s growing import and export activities, expanding e-commerce market, and investment in transport infrastructure.

As businesses increasingly adopt digital supply chain solutions, employers are seeking professionals with knowledge of freight forwarding, customs compliance, inventory management, and international trade.

The logistics industry also intersects with areas such as procurement, business administration, project management, warehousing, and transport planning, making it one of the country’s most resilient employment sectors.

For young job seekers, logistics learnerships provide an excellent pathway into long-term careers with opportunities for local and international growth.

Professional Development Opportunities

After completing this learnership, consider pursuing further studies such as:

• Diploma in Logistics Management
• Diploma in Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Commerce (Logistics)
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Procurement and Supply qualifications
• Customs Compliance courses
• Project Management certifications
• Leadership Development programmes
• Advanced Microsoft Excel courses
• Data Analytics short courses
• Professional Certifications in Supply Chain Management

TVET Colleges and South African universities also offer programmes that can strengthen your qualifications and improve career prospects.

Why Choose a Career in Logistics?

Logistics is one of the fastest-growing industries globally.

Professionals in this field play a crucial role in ensuring products move efficiently between manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and customers.

The industry offers opportunities in:

• Supply Chain
• Warehousing
• Procurement
• Transportation
• Inventory Management
• International Trade
• Freight Forwarding
• Distribution
• Operations Management

As digital technologies continue transforming logistics, professionals with practical experience and accredited qualifications remain in high demand.

Tips for a Successful Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Prepare a professional CV.
• Include certified copies of your Matric certificate and qualifications.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Highlight any computer skills and Microsoft Office experience.
• Demonstrate an interest in logistics and freight forwarding.
• Submit your application before the programme closes.

Apply DHL (Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF 5 Learnership Programme 2026/2027)

Why This Learnership Is Worth Applying For

The DHL Learner (Clearing and Forwarding Agent NQF 5 Learnership Programme 2026/2027) is one of the most attractive learnerships in South Africa for unemployed youth interested in logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain careers. Beyond gaining a nationally recognized qualification, learners receive invaluable workplace exposure with a globally respected employer, improving their prospects for future employment in both the private sector and international logistics industry.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, do not miss this opportunity. Prepare your application, ensure all supporting documents are ready, and apply online as soon as possible, as positions in leading global companies like DHL are highly competitive. Continue exploring other South Africa jobs, latest vacancies, learnerships, graduate programmes, internships, and career opportunities to build a successful future.