DHL Supply Chain is recruiting 50 unemployed young South Africans for its YES4Youth Learnership Programme in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.

The opportunity is aimed at young people who have completed Matric and want to gain practical workplace experience in the logistics, warehousing and supply chain industry.

Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old, be South African citizens and be unemployed at the time of application.

The advertised position is listed as YES4Youth Learnership X50, under reference AV-389271.

A university degree or diploma is not required. The essential educational requirement is a Matric certificate with English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

A forklift, material-handling equipment or driver’s licence is an advantage but is not listed as compulsory.

Importantly, the DHL vacancy does not specify a closing date, exact stipend or confirmed programme duration. Applicants should therefore check the live DHL recruitment portal and apply while the vacancy remains available.

DHL YES4Youth Learnership 2027 Quick Overview

The vacancy is advertised as a full-time temporary opportunity based in Uitenhage.

About the DHL YES4Youth Programme

The YES4Youth programme is designed to give unemployed young people meaningful workplace experience.

For the 50 successful DHL candidates, the opportunity provides exposure to a professional supply chain and logistics environment.

DHL Supply Chain operations can involve activities such as:

• Warehouse operations
• Receiving and handling merchandise
• Loading and offloading
• Inventory processes
• Order fulfilment
• Distribution
• Operational administration
• Workplace safety
• Quality control
• Customer service

The experience can help participants develop transferable workplace skills while gaining a better understanding of how a large logistics operation functions.

What Will DHL YES4Youth Learners Do?

The advertised position involves practical operational duties.

Successful candidates may be required to assist with activities such as the following.

Warehouse and Supply Chain Operations

Learners will support daily activities associated with the movement and handling of merchandise.

This can include following operational instructions, supporting order fulfilment and assisting teams with day-to-day warehouse activities.

Loading and Offloading

Learners may participate in the loading and offloading of goods.

All activities must be completed according to DHL’s workplace procedures and safety requirements.

Equipment Handling and Safety

Participants will develop an understanding of equipment used in the workplace.

Any equipment requiring specific authorisation or certification must only be operated by appropriately trained and authorised employees.

Learners must also report equipment faults or malfunctions to the relevant supervisor.

Reporting Damaged or Incorrect Merchandise

Participants may be required to identify and report:

• Damaged merchandise
• Incorrect merchandise
• Operational irregularities
• Product discrepancies

Accurate reporting is important in logistics because errors can affect inventory, customers and delivery processes.

Health and Safety

DHL places importance on safe workplace practices.

Learners will be expected to:

• Follow safety procedures.
• Follow operational instructions.
• Use workplace equipment correctly.
• Report hazards and faults.
• Maintain safe working areas.
• Follow applicable company policies.

Teamwork and Communication

The programme requires learners to work with supervisors, managers and other employees.

Good communication, cooperation and the ability to follow instructions are therefore important.

Housekeeping and Quality

Learners may also be expected to maintain clean, organised and safe working areas while meeting required quality and productivity standards.

DHL YES4Youth Requirements

Applicants should distinguish between essential requirements and qualifications that are simply desirable.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Be between 18 and 29 years old.
• Be unemployed when applying.
• Have a Matric certificate.
• Have completed English at Matric level.
• Have completed Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Meet DHL’s advertised B-BBEE candidate requirement.
• Be willing to follow workplace safety and operational procedures.

Desirable Requirements

The following are listed as advantages rather than compulsory requirements:

• Forklift licence
• Powered Pallet Truck (PPT) licence
• Reach truck licence
• Driver’s licence
• Basic administration skills
• Knowledge of warehouse operations
• Understanding of quality procedures
• Understanding of security procedures
• Operational service-delivery awareness

Therefore, not having a forklift or driver’s licence does not automatically prevent you from applying.

Do I Need Previous Work Experience?

The DHL vacancy does not expressly list previous work experience as an essential requirement.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to young people who are looking for their first meaningful workplace experience.

If you have no formal employment history, you can still highlight genuine transferable skills gained through:

• School projects
• Community activities
• Volunteer work
• Sports
• Temporary work
• Leadership responsibilities
• Team activities

Do not invent work experience or qualifications.

Can I Apply With Matric Only?

Yes.

A university degree or diploma is not listed as the minimum qualification.

The essential educational requirement is a Matric certificate with English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for young people who have completed Grade 12 but have not yet attended university or college.

Is a Forklift Licence Required?

No.

A forklift or other material-handling equipment licence is listed as desirable, rather than an essential requirement.

The same applies to:

• Powered Pallet Truck licence
• Reach truck licence
• Driver’s licence

If you have one of these licences, include it in your application. If you do not, you can still apply if you meet the essential requirements.

Skills DHL Is Looking For

The recruitment information highlights several personal and workplace competencies.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Good communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
• Cooperation
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work under pressure
• Positive work ethic
• Reliability
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions
• Customer orientation
• Quality awareness
• Safety awareness
• Professional behaviour

These qualities are particularly important in a logistics environment where employees work with products, equipment, systems and other team members.

Is the DHL Programme a Formal Accredited Learnership?

This is an important distinction.

Although the vacancy is described as a YES4Youth Learnership, the specific DHL advertisement does not provide details of a registered qualification, SAQA ID or NQF level.

The national YES programme is primarily focused on providing young people with workplace experience. A YES placement should therefore not automatically be assumed to be equivalent to a registered learnership leading to an NQF qualification.

Applicants who specifically need an accredited qualification should confirm with DHL whether this particular placement includes any formal accredited training.

How Long Is the DHL YES4Youth Programme?

The specific DHL vacancy does not state a confirmed programme duration.

The national YES initiative is commonly associated with workplace-experience placements, but applicants should not automatically apply a standard duration to this particular DHL vacancy.

The exact duration should be confirmed from DHL during the recruitment process.

Likewise, the advert does not confirm a specific 2027 start date.

Is There a DHL YES4Youth Stipend?

The specific DHL vacancy does not disclose the monthly stipend or salary amount.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on figures published on social media or other unofficial websites.

The YES initiative generally involves paid workplace experience, but the exact remuneration and contractual conditions for this DHL opportunity should be confirmed directly with DHL.

Where Is the DHL Learnership Located?

The advertised location is:

Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape

The opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to applicants who can access the workplace in the Uitenhage/Kariega area.

The available recruitment information does not confirm accommodation or relocation assistance.

How to Apply for the DHL YES4Youth Learnership

Applications are submitted online through the DHL recruitment platform.

Use the vacancy details below when searching for the opportunity:

Position: YES4Youth Learnership X50

Reference: AV-389271

Company: DHL Supply Chain

Location: Uitenhage, Eastern Cape

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

• Are a South African citizen.
• Are aged 18–29.
• Are unemployed.
• Have Matric.
• Have English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
• Meet the stated B-BBEE eligibility condition.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Your CV should clearly show:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Matric qualification
• Matric subjects
• Relevant skills
• Licences, if applicable
• Volunteer or community experience
• Any genuine work experience

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Have the following information available:

• South African ID
• Matric certificate
• Matric results
• Updated CV
• Driver’s licence, if applicable
• Forklift/MHE licences, if applicable

This is a preparation checklist. Applicants should follow the actual document requirements displayed by DHL during the online application.

Step 4: Find the Correct Vacancy

Search the DHL recruitment platform for:

YES4Youth Learnership X50 – AV-389271

Check that the location is Uitenhage and that the vacancy is still accepting applications.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Enter your personal, educational and employment information accurately.

Do not claim qualifications, licences or work experience that you do not have.

Step 6: Upload Requested Documents

Upload only the documents requested by DHL and make sure they are clear and readable.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before submitting, check your:

• Contact details
• Matric information
• Subject results
• Employment status
• Uploaded documents
• Licence information

Keep a copy of your application or confirmation for your records.

DHL YES4Youth Closing Date

The DHL recruitment information reviewed for this vacancy does not specify a closing date.

Therefore:

Closing Date: Not Specified

Applicants should not interpret this as unlimited availability.

Only 50 positions are advertised, and the recruitment portal may stop accepting applications once the recruitment process progresses.

Applicants who meet the requirements should therefore apply as soon as possible.

Career Opportunities After the Programme

Workplace experience in logistics can provide a useful foundation for future career development.

Depending on further qualifications, experience and available vacancies, participants could explore careers such as:

• Warehouse Assistant
• Logistics Administrator
• Freight Handler
• Inventory Controller
• Dispatch Clerk
• Transport Coordinator
• Supply Chain Administrator
• Warehouse Supervisor
• Logistics Supervisor
• Supply Chain Manager

These are possible career pathways and are not guarantees of employment with DHL.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many DHL YES4Youth positions are available?

There are 50 advertised positions under reference AV-389271.

Where is the programme based?

The vacancy is based in Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape.

Can I apply with Matric only?

Yes. Matric is the stated minimum educational requirement, together with English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

What age must I be?

Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old.

Do I need to be unemployed?

Yes. Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application.

Do I need a forklift licence?

No. A forklift/MHE licence is listed as desirable rather than compulsory.

Do I need a driver’s licence?

No. A driver’s licence is also listed as desirable.

Is previous warehouse experience required?

Previous warehouse experience is not expressly listed as an essential requirement.

How much is the stipend?

The specific DHL advertisement does not disclose the amount.

How long is the programme?

DHL does not specify the programme duration in the vacancy reviewed.

Will I receive an NQF qualification?

The vacancy does not specify a registered NQF qualification or SAQA ID. Applicants should confirm this directly with DHL.

Is permanent employment guaranteed?

No. The opportunity does not guarantee permanent employment after completion.

What is the closing date?

No closing date is specified in the vacancy information reviewed.

Is the programme definitely starting in 2027?

The Edupstairs article covers it as a 2027 opportunity, but the DHL vacancy itself does not confirm a specific 2027 start date. Applicants should verify the commencement date directly with DHL.

DHL YES4Youth Application Checklist

Before applying, check that you have:

• South African citizenship
• Age between 18 and 29
• Current unemployed status
• Matric certificate
• English at Matric level
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• B-BBEE eligibility
• Updated CV
• ID information
• Matric results
• Driver’s licence, if available
• Forklift/MHE licence, if available
• Correct vacancy reference: AV-389271
• Ability to work in Uitenhage/Kariega
• Application submitted through the DHL recruitment platform

Conclusion

The DHL YES4Youth Learnership Programme 2027 provides 50 unemployed young South Africans with an opportunity to gain workplace exposure in the logistics and supply chain sector.

The opportunity is based in Uitenhage (Kariega), Eastern Cape, and is open to applicants aged 18–29 who have Matric, English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and meet the other eligibility requirements.

A forklift licence and driver’s licence are desirable but not compulsory, while previous warehouse experience is not expressly required.

The specific DHL vacancy does not disclose a stipend amount, confirmed programme duration, registered NQF qualification or closing date. Applicants should therefore verify these details directly with DHL rather than relying on unofficial information.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV and supporting documents and search for YES4Youth Learnership X50, reference AV-389271 on the DHL recruitment platform.

Because only 50 positions are advertised and no closing date is specified, eligible applicants should apply as soon as possible while the vacancy remains open.

Disclaimer

This article is an independent opportunity explainer based on the DHL YES4Youth vacancy and publicly available recruitment information. It is not an official publication of DHL Supply Chain or the YES programme.

Applicants should verify the latest vacancy status, remuneration, programme duration, commencement date, training arrangements and application requirements through DHL’s official recruitment platform before applying.

Never pay anyone who promises to secure a DHL learnership, interview or job.