South Africa’s logistics sector is growing fast. E-commerce, global trade, and better transport networks mean more jobs are opening up—and they’re looking for skilled people right now.
If you’re under 27, have your Matric, and want your first real job in logistics, the Rohlig-Grindrod Learnership Programme 2026 could be your starting point. This is a 12-month, paid workplace training programme designed specifically for young South Africans who haven’t worked in logistics before.
The deadline is 30 April 2026. Spaces are limited. If you’re serious about this, you should apply now.
What is the Rohlig-Grindrod Learnership?
Rohlig-Grindrod is one of South Africa’s biggest logistics and freight forwarding companies. They move goods between suppliers, warehouses, ports, airports, and customers every single day.
This learnership puts you inside that world for 12 months. You’ll learn how logistics actually works, not just from a textbook. You’ll get real experience, mentoring from professionals, and a chance to prove yourself in a proper corporate environment.
Many learners who complete this programme get hired into entry-level logistics roles afterwards. That’s because they already know the systems, the people, and what the job demands.
Where Are the Placements?
The programme runs in four key logistics hubs across South Africa:
- Sandton, Gauteng — Corporate head office. You’ll work on national freight coordination and business operations.
- Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape — Port-based logistics. You’ll see automotive exports and manufacturing distribution up close.
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — South Africa’s busiest port. You’ll handle container shipping and international cargo movement.
- Durban International Airport, KwaZulu-Natal — Air freight hub. Perfect if you’re interested in aviation logistics.
Each location teaches you something different. The airport placement, for example, shows you how time-sensitive air cargo works. The port placements show you international shipping. Choose based on where you want your career to go.
What Do You Need to Apply?
Hard requirements:
- South African citizen
- Under 27 years old
- Matric Certificate
- Business Administration Certificate or Diploma
- You should have no previous professional work experience (this is for first-time entrants)
- You cannot have completed a logistics or supply chain learnership before
What they’re looking for in your character:
- Strong written and spoken communication
- Comfortable with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Good at organising your time and tasks
- Self-motivated and willing to learn
- Reliable and honest
- Happy to work as part of a team
- Flexible and able to adapt
If you’re applying and you already completed another learnership, you probably won’t be selected. The company wants to give opportunities to people getting their first real workplace experience.
What Will You Actually Do?
Over 12 months, you’ll work on real tasks in a real logistics environment. Here’s what that looks like:
Business and office skills:
- Managing documents and filing systems
- Supporting office teams with scheduling and coordination
- Writing reports about shipments and operations
- Talking to customers and solving their problems
- Tracking shipments and recording movements
- Using company systems and software
Supply chain exposure:
- How freight gets from one place to another
- Customs paperwork and import/export rules
- Warehouse and storage operations
- Tracking cargo across borders
- Looking after client relationships
You’re not just watching. You’re doing. You’ll have real responsibilities, real deadlines, and real supervisors giving you feedback. That’s how you actually learn.
What Skills Do You Walk Away With?
After 12 months, you’ll have:
- Hands-on experience in a corporate logistics environment
- Understanding of how South African supply chains work
- Better MS Office and computer skills
- Professional communication experience (emails, calls, reports)
- Knowledge of how ports, airports, and warehouses operate
- A real reference from a real company
- Confidence to walk into entry-level logistics jobs
These skills transfer. If you move to another logistics company later, or even to transport or retail, you’ll already know how things work.
What Happens After You Complete the Learnership?
Completing the programme doesn’t guarantee a job. But it gives you a huge advantage. You’ve already proven you can do the work, and the company knows your strengths and weaknesses.
Many learners get hired into roles like:
- Logistics Administrator
- Supply Chain Assistant
- Freight Forwarding Clerk
- Transport Coordinator
- Warehouse Administrator
- Shipping Documentation Officer
- Import/Export Assistant
- Customer Service Consultant (logistics)
With experience, you can move up to supervisor roles, planning roles, or specialised positions in customs or freight management.
How Do You Apply?
Applications are online only. Choose the location closest to you or where you want to work:
- Sandton (Linbro Park Head Office)
- Port Elizabeth (Walmer Office)
- Johannesburg (Linbro Park)
- Durban (Grindrod House)
- Durban Airport (Dube Tradeport)
When you click the link, you’ll fill in your details, upload your CV, and answer some questions about why you want the job. Make sure your CV is clean, spell-checked, and shows any volunteer work, school projects, or computer skills you have.
Closing date: 30 April 2026. Don’t wait until the last day. Apply now.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
You’re probably competing with hundreds of other people. Here’s what hiring managers look for:
Your CV: Tailor it for logistics. Mention any experience with scheduling, organizing, or customer service. Highlight MS Office skills. Show your Matric and Business Admin certificate clearly.
Your covering letter: Write like you’re talking to a real person. Explain why you want logistics specifically, not just “I need a job.” Show you understand what the company does.
Your references: Use teachers, coaches, or volunteer coordinators—anyone who can say you’re reliable and work well with others.
Your attitude: Be honest about not having experience yet. Show you’re eager to learn. Companies want people who admit what they don’t know and ask questions.
Apply early. The first applications get reviewed first. Don’t assume you have until the last week.
Questions You Might Have
Is this learnership paid? Most corporate logistics learnerships in South Africa include a monthly stipend. You should ask about the exact amount during the application process or when they call you for an interview.
Do I really need a Business Admin qualification? Yes. It’s a minimum requirement. If you don’t have it yet but have your Matric, look for short Business Admin courses or online certificates you can do quickly.
What if I already did another learnership? You’re not eligible for this one. The programme is for first-timers. But keep applying to other learnerships—there are many out there.
Will I definitely get hired after? No programme guarantees employment. But this one has a strong track record because learners gain real skills the company values. Your chances are much better than someone with no experience.
Can I apply from anywhere in South Africa? Yes. But you need to be willing to move to your chosen location or commute reliably.
Why This Matters Right Now
Logistics is one of the few industries where you can build a real career without a university degree. The sector is growing. Companies are hiring. And learnerships like this one are how young people get their foot in the door.
Many applicants worry they don’t have enough experience. That’s the whole point of a learnership—it gives you that experience. If you meet the requirements and you’re serious about logistics, you should apply.
Start now. Check the application links. Make sure your CV is ready. Ask someone to read your covering letter. Then submit before the deadline.
Good luck.
Important disclaimer: Edupstairs is not recruiting for this programme. Rohlig-Grindrod is. Apply only through the official links above. Never pay money or give your full CV to anyone claiming to help you get the job. Always verify opportunities before you apply.
