Are you a young South African who already holds a Code EC licence and is looking for a stable career path? The Unitrans Truck Driver Learnership is now open, and the deadline is only 7 September 2026, so you need to act fast.
What the learnership offers
Unitrans will run a 12‑to‑18‑month structured programme in KwaZulu‑Natal, Cape Town and Gauteng. The aim is to award an Occupational Certificate: Truck Driver (NQF Level 3). The learnership combines classroom theory, on‑site training and supervised driving. A salary or stipend has not been published, so you should ask for the amount during the selection process.
Who can apply
Only unemployed South African youth who meet the following criteria are eligible:
- South African citizenship
- Matric certificate (Grade 12) or an equivalent National Certificate
- Valid Code EC driver’s licence
- Professional Driving Permit covering categories D, G and P
- Certified copy of the Matric certificate
- Medical fitness as required by law
- Availability for shift work, weekends and public holidays
- Willingness to complete the full 12‑to‑18‑month programme
A tertiary qualification in logistics, supply‑chain or transport is a plus but not mandatory. No specific age limit is listed, so you do not need to assume an upper age bound.
What you will gain
Successful learners leave with a recognised Level 3 certificate and practical experience that employers value. You will also develop:
- Safety‑first driving habits
- Good judgement and decision‑making on the road
- Customer‑service awareness
- Problem‑solving and independent thinking
- Confidence using telematics and fleet‑management systems
- Reliability, discipline and pride in professional driving
How to apply
- Gather certified copies of your ID, Code EC licence, Professional Driving Permit, Matric certificate and any other qualifications. All documents must be dated within the last three months.
- Prepare a concise CV that highlights any driving experience, shift work, customer‑service or technology exposure.
- Visit the official Unitrans recruitment portal: Unitrans online application.
- Complete the online form and upload the certified documents. Double‑check that names and ID numbers match across every file.
- Submit the application before the 7 September 2026 deadline. Keep the reference number that the portal generates.
Tips to improve your chances
- Make sure every document is clear, legible and not older than three months.
- Match the details on your ID, licence and certificates exactly.
- Highlight any previous professional driving, shift work or logistics training in your CV.
- Show willingness to learn new technology – mention any experience with GPS, telematics or digital reporting.
- Confirm, before the interview, the expected stipend, start date, shift pattern and whether you need to cover transport or accommodation costs.
- Ask about the location of classroom sessions – the programme is face‑to‑face, not fully online.
Insider tip: Check the expiry date on your Professional Driving Permit and the certification dates on all supporting documents. An up‑to‑date licence paired with an old certified copy can delay your application.
Next steps
If you meet the eligibility criteria, start gathering your documents today. Submit your application through the official portal before the 7 September deadline and follow up on any unanswered questions about remuneration, uniform or transport costs. Completing this learnership does not guarantee a permanent job, but the Level 3 certificate and hands‑on experience will strengthen your profile for future truck‑driving positions.