DHL YES4Youth Learnership 2027 – 50 spots in Uitenhage (Matric required)

You’ve finished Matric, you’re unemployed, and every job ad asks for work experience you don’t yet have. DHL Supply Chain is offering a way in – the YES4Youth Learnership Programme – and the openings are limited, so act now.

What the opportunity is

DHL Supply Chain South Africa is looking for 50 young people to join its YES4Youth Learnership Programme in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. The role is full‑time and temporary, giving you hands‑on exposure to logistics and supply‑chain operations.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• South African citizen
• Age 18 – 29
• Unemployed at the time of application
• Matric certificate with English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• Meet DHL’s B‑BBEE candidate requirement
• English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Willingness to follow DHL safety and operational procedures

Desirable but not required: forklift, powered pallet truck or reach‑truck licence, a driver’s licence, basic admin skills, or prior warehouse experience.

What you will gain

• Practical knowledge of warehouse and supply‑chain processes
• Experience in loading/unloading, inventory handling and record‑keeping
• Understanding of health‑ and safety standards
• Teamwork, communication and problem‑solving skills
• A professional reference that can improve future employability

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Visit the official DHL page: Apply for the YES4Youth Learnership (X50 posts).
2. Confirm the vacancy details: Position – YES4Youth Learnership X50; Company – DHL Supply Chain; Reference – AV‑389271; Location – Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.
3. Check your eligibility against the list above.
4. Gather your documents:
   • Updated CV
   • South African ID
   • Matric certificate (and results slip if you have it)
   • Any MHE or driver’s licences you hold (optional)
5. Complete the online form on the DHL portal. Fill every required field accurately and upload the documents.
6. Review before submitting: Ensure your name, contact details and qualifications are correct; check that all attachments open properly.
7. Submit and save confirmation: Keep the email or reference number you receive. You can track status through the DHL candidate portal if offered.
8. Prepare for possible assessment: If shortlisted, you may be asked to attend an interview or a short test. Review basic logistics concepts and think of examples where you showed teamwork, reliability or safety awareness.

Tips to improve your chances

• Write a clear, chronological CV. Use headings such as Personal Details, Education, Skills and Volunteer Experience.
• Highlight transferable skills gained from school projects, sports teams, community work or informal jobs.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar – DHL looks for good written communication.
• Tailor your cover letter (if required) to mention the logistics duties listed in the advert.
• Make sure your English and maths results are visible on the certificate – these are mandatory.
• Be honest. Do not claim licences or experience you do not have.
• Apply early. Only 50 places are available and the portal may close without a public deadline.

What the role actually involves

1. Warehouse operations: Assist with daily handling of goods, follow pick‑list instructions and support order fulfilment.
2. Loading and off‑loading: Use safe practices to load trucks and unload deliveries.
3. Equipment safety: Learn how to operate material‑handling equipment correctly and report any faults.
4. Reporting irregularities: Identify damaged or incorrect merchandise and log it according to DHL procedures.
5. Health & safety compliance: Follow all safety rules and wear required protective gear.
6. Team communication: Work closely with supervisors and colleagues, keeping clear records of activities.
7. Housekeeping and quality: Keep the work area tidy and adhere to quality standards.

Benefits and remuneration

The advert does not specify a monthly stipend or exact contract length. The national YES programme usually offers paid workplace experience, but you must confirm the exact amount and duration with DHL during the interview stage.

Career paths after the learnership

Experience in a logistics environment can lead to roles such as:

• Warehouse Assistant
• Logistics Administrator
• Inventory Controller
• Dispatch Clerk
• Transport Coordinator
• Supply‑Chain Administrator
• Logistics Supervisor
• Supply‑Chain Manager (with further study)

These are possible routes; DHL does not guarantee a permanent job after the programme.

Additional resources for planning your future

• Explore logistics‑related qualifications on the SETA SA Career & Qualification Explorer.
• Use the SETA SA Skills Intelligence Explorer to see which supply‑chain skills are in demand.
• Check the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) portal for accredited learnerships and bursaries in transport and logistics.
• Visit the SETA SA TVET College Explorer for information on public colleges offering NATED, NC(V) and other vocational courses.
• If you aim for a university degree, the SETA SA University Explorer lists relevant programmes such as Logistics, Supply‑Chain Management and Commerce.

Other learnerships you might consider (as of 31 Oct 2026)

1. Clover Call Centre Vacation Work Programme 2026/2027 – 10 learner spots in Roodepoort, Gauteng. Closing 5 Nov 2026.
2. NERSA Internships and Learnerships 2027 – Various functions including supply‑chain, finance and IT. Closing 16 Nov 2026.
3. Boomerang SA Contact Centre Learnership 2026 – Based in Cape Town. Closing 6 Nov 2026.
4. Northern Coal Non‑Artisan Learnership 2027 – Surface blasting and mineral processing pathways. Closing 30 Nov 2026.
5. MAZIV Learnership 2026 for Matric Youth – Telecommunications and digital infrastructure in Cape Town. No advertised closing date.
6. Traffic Warden Learnership 2026 (X25 posts) – Emalahleni Local Municipality. Closing 5 Nov 2026.
7. Value Logistics Learnership 2026 – Freight handling in Germiston and Cato Ridge. Stipend R4 240 per month, 12‑month training. Closing 15 Nov 2026.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is DHL recruiting YES4Youth learners? Yes, under reference AV‑389271.
2. How many positions are available? Fifty (50).
3. Where is the placement? Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape.
4. Can I apply with Matric only? Yes, provided you have English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
5. What is the age range? 18 – 29 years.
6. Do I need to be unemployed? Yes, applicants must be job‑less at the time of application.
7. Is warehouse experience required? No, it is not listed as essential.
8. Is a forklift licence compulsory? No, it is only desirable.
9. Do I need a driver’s licence? No, it is also only desirable.
10. What does the B‑BBEE requirement mean? Only candidates who meet DHL’s B‑BBEE criteria may be considered. Clarify with DHL if unsure.
11. What is the stipend? The amount is not disclosed in the advert; confirm during the interview.
12. How long does the programme last? The national YES scheme usually runs 12 months, but DHL has not confirmed a specific duration.
13. Is the programme paid? YES placements are typically paid, but verify the exact terms with DHL.
14. Will I get a permanent job after it? No guarantee of permanent employment is offered.
15. Will I receive an NQF qualification? The advert does not specify a registered qualification; ask DHL for details.
16. Can I apply from any province? The role is based in Uitenhage; relocation support is not mentioned.
17. When does the application close? No closing date is listed. Check the live DHL portal for current status.
18. Is the programme definitely starting in 2027? The year is used for coverage, not confirmed by DHL.
19. Where do I submit my application? Through the official DHL link above.
20. Can SETA SA submit the application for me? No. SETA SA only provides information; you must apply yourself.

Next steps

Take a moment to verify that you meet every essential requirement. Prepare an ATS‑friendly CV, gather your certificates and apply through the official DHL portal today. While you wait, explore other logistics qualifications and learnerships on the SETA SA platforms so you have multiple pathways to employment.

Disclaimer

SETA SA is an independent South African education and employment‑information platform. We are not affiliated with DHL Supply Chain’s recruitment team and do not collect fees or personal data for job placements. All details above are based on the DHL advertisement (reference AV‑389271) and public sources. Verify the latest information on the official DHL careers site before applying. Beware of any party demanding payment for a guaranteed placement.