Fifty young people in Uitenhage are about to get a real chance at their first job in logistics. DHL Supply Chain South Africa has opened applications for 50 YES4Youth Learnership positions, and there is no confirmed closing date. That means the vacancies can close at any moment once enough applications arrive. If you are between 18 and 29, have Matric, and are unemployed, this opportunity will not wait for you. Many job seekers we speak to miss out simply because they applied too late, or applied to the wrong place. Always apply through trusted platforms like StudentOffice and the official employer website, and act early.
Last updated: 2 November 2026
What Is the DHL YES4Youth Learnership?
This is a youth workplace opportunity offered by DHL Supply Chain South Africa. The advertised role is called YES4Youth Learner: VW, based at DHL’s operations in Uitenhage (Kariega) in the Eastern Cape.
Here are the key facts at a glance:
- Company: DHL Supply Chain South Africa
- Programme: YES4Youth Learnership X50
- Positions available: 50
- Location: Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape
- Job reference: AV-389271
- Age requirement: 18 to 29 years
- Education: Matric with specified subjects
- Closing date: Not specified
- Stipend: Not disclosed
- 2027 start date: Not confirmed
- Application method: DHL Careers portal
Important scam warning: Real learnerships and jobs never ask you to pay application, registration or placement fees. If anyone asks you for money to secure this position, it is a scam. Apply only through the official DHL recruitment website.
Who Can Apply for the 50 DHL Positions?
Many applicants assume a Matric certificate alone is enough. It is not. DHL has listed specific conditions, and you must meet all of them:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be between 18 and 29 years old.
- Be unemployed when you apply.
- Meet the advertised B-BBEE eligibility condition.
- Hold a Matric certificate.
- Have English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy in Matric.
- Communicate well in English, both speaking and writing.
Pay close attention to the subject rule. You do not need pure Mathematics. DHL accepts Mathematical Literacy as well, as long as your other conditions are met.
About the B-BBEE condition: the vacancy states the opportunity is for B-BBEE candidates only, but it does not explain how eligibility is assessed. Do not guess. Read the official listing on the DHL Careers portal before you apply, so you do not waste time on an application that cannot be considered.
Do You Need a Forklift or Driver’s Licence?
No. This is one of the biggest fears we hear from applicants, and you can relax. Neither licence is listed as an essential requirement.
DHL lists the following as desirable, meaning they are advantages, not compulsory:
- Valid forklift licence.
- Powered Pallet Truck (PPT) licence.
- Reach truck licence.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Basic administration skills.
- Knowledge of warehouse operations.
- Understanding of quality and security procedures.
If you have never driven a forklift, do not rule yourself out. Meet the essential requirements and apply. If you do hold any of these licences, include them truthfully, because they may strengthen your application.
Can You Apply Without Work Experience?
Yes. The vacancy does not list previous employment or warehouse experience as an essential requirement. The programme was created to give unemployed young people their first taste of a professional supply chain environment.
DHL is looking for qualities like teamwork, communication, reliability, willingness to learn, and the ability to follow instructions at work.
If you have never been formally employed, you can still show these qualities on your CV. Think about school projects, volunteering, church activities, or community work. Use specific, honest examples. Never claim skills or experience you do not have, because it will show during the selection process.
What Will Successful Applicants Do?
This is a practical, hands-on warehouse opportunity, not an office training programme. Expect physical work and strict safety rules.
You will carry out duties given by supervisors and managers while learning how logistics works. These duties may include:
- Loading and offloading merchandise.
- Following warehouse operating procedures.
- Checking customer merchandise.
- Reporting damaged or incorrect goods.
- Reporting equipment defects.
- Completing allocated operational tasks.
- Maintaining housekeeping standards.
- Following health and safety instructions.
- Working well with colleagues and supervisors.
The exact daily tasks will depend on DHL’s operational needs at the time.
What Will You Gain from This Programme?
The biggest benefit is 12 months of real workplace experience with a global logistics company. That experience counts when you apply for future roles.
It can help you build a foundation in areas such as:
- Warehouse operations.
- Inventory control.
- Freight handling.
- Logistics administration.
- Dispatch and distribution.
Be honest with yourself about what this is. These are possible career pathways, not guaranteed DHL job offers.
Is It an Accredited Learnership?
Do not assume this placement automatically gives you an accredited NQF qualification, even though the title says “learnership”.
South Africa’s Youth Employment Service (YES) is built around 12 months of workplace experience. A registered learnership, on the other hand, normally combines structured learning with practical training towards a recognised qualification on the NQF.
The available DHL vacancy information does not show a SAQA qualification number, an NQF level, or a guaranteed certificate. If an accredited qualification matters to you, ask DHL directly before you accept any placement. Our guides on how SETA learnerships work and the difference between learnerships, internships and apprenticeships can help you understand what to look for.
How Much Will You Earn?
The monthly stipend has not been disclosed in the vacancy information. YES placements generally operate as paid employment, subject to South African labour law.
Do not assume a specific amount based on social media posts or older DHL programmes. Before accepting any offer, confirm the pay, working hours, contract length and other conditions directly with DHL.
How to Apply for the DHL YES4Youth Learnership X50
Applications are handled only through DHL’s official recruitment platform. Follow these steps carefully:
- Open the official listing: Apply for DHL YES4Youth Learnership X50 on the DHL Careers portal
- Check availability: Confirm the listing is still open and shows reference AV-389271. Because no closing date was announced, check the portal directly.
- Read the requirements: Go through the age limit, unemployment condition, Matric subjects and B-BBEE restriction before you start.
- Prepare your documents: Have your updated CV, South African ID, Matric certificate, any relevant licences, and an active email address and cellphone number ready. This is a preparation checklist, not a confirmed list of mandatory uploads.
- Complete the application: Follow the instructions on the DHL portal, enter accurate details, and upload any documents that are requested.
- Keep your proof: Save any confirmation or reference number you receive after submitting.
Need help getting your documents in order? Read our guide to the documents needed for learnership applications in South Africa before you begin.
How to Improve Your Chances
With 50 positions and likely thousands of applicants, small details matter. Here is how to stand out honestly:
- Make your Matric subjects easy to find. Place your education details near the top of your CV, including English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Only list licences you actually hold. A forklift or driver’s licence helps, but a false claim will remove you from the process entirely.
- Give real examples. Show teamwork, communication, attention to detail and your ability to follow instructions, using true stories from school, volunteering or community work.
- Keep your CV clean and simple. If you have never worked before, a clear, well-organised CV beats one filled with unsupported claims every time.
- Apply early. There is no closing date, which means the window can shut without warning.
Applying for your first learnership? Use our 2026 South African CV writing guide with practical examples to organise your education, skills and experience properly.
Your Next Steps
Start today. Check your Matric subjects, your age and your employment status against the requirements listed above. If you qualify, update your CV and submit your application through the official DHL portal while it is still open.
Before you accept any offer, confirm three things directly with DHL: the monthly stipend, the programme dates, and whether any accredited training is included.
If this opportunity does not suit you or is no longer open, do not give up. Explore more learnership opportunities in South Africa on SETACareers, and always check each opportunity’s closing date and official application instructions.
You do not need experience, licences or connections to start. You need Matric, honesty on your application, and the courage to apply. That first “yes” often starts with one simple click.
About the Author
Koketso Sindi is an Administrator, Content Editor, and Author at SETA Careers, an independent South African platform publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships, employment opportunities, and skills development programmes. She researches, writes and edits career content sourced from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges, employers, and accredited institutions, helping South African students, graduates and job seekers make informed decisions about education, training and employment. Contact: koketso@setacareers.co.za