YES Learnership at Maersk | Apply for 12-Month Programme

ByRainbow Time

Maersk invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027 in Johannesburg. This 12-month workplace learning opportunity is designed to provide practical work experience, professional development, and exposure to a global logistics environment. The programme is ideal for young people who have completed Grade 12 and are looking to build valuable skills that can improve their future career prospects.

Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience by supporting different business functions while developing essential workplace competencies such as communication, teamwork, computer literacy, and time management. Candidates must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 30, must not be permanently employed, must not have more than two years of work experience, and must not have previously completed a YES Learnership.

Position: YES Learnership 2026/2027
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Job Type: Full-Time Learnership
Workplace: Site-Based
Reference Number: R185769
Application Status: Open

YES Learnership 2026/2027 Opportunity at Maersk

Applications are now open for the YES Learnership 2026/2027 at Maersk in Johannesburg. This exciting 12-month programme is designed for young South Africans who are looking to gain practical workplace experience while developing valuable skills in one of the world’s leading logistics and supply chain companies.

The programme offers unemployed youth an opportunity to build professional experience in a global business environment. Participants will work alongside experienced professionals, receive structured workplace exposure, and develop the knowledge and competencies required to improve future employment opportunities.

This learnership is ideal for motivated individuals who are eager to start a career in logistics, administration, customer service, operations, and other business support functions.

About Maersk

Maersk is one of the world’s largest integrated logistics companies, connecting businesses and markets across more than 130 countries. With a history spanning over a century, the company has become a global leader in shipping, logistics, supply chain management, and transportation solutions.

Innovation, technology, sustainability, and operational excellence continue to shape the company’s future. More than 100,000 employees contribute to delivering reliable logistics solutions that support global trade every day.

The company values diversity, inclusion, teamwork, and continuous learning, creating an environment where employees and learners can grow both personally and professionally.

About the YES Learnership Programme

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme is a 12-month workplace learning opportunity created to help unemployed South African youth gain meaningful work experience.

Successful applicants will be placed within one of Maersk’s South African offices or operational sites, where they will receive practical exposure to real business activities while learning essential workplace skills.

The programme combines structured workplace learning with daily operational responsibilities, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.

Participants will have the opportunity to improve their communication, teamwork, customer service, problem-solving, computer literacy, and administrative skills throughout the programme.

What the Programme Offers

Successful learners can expect several benefits during the programme, including:

  • Valuable workplace experience
  • Exposure to international business operations
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Practical training within various departments
  • Experience working in a customer-focused environment
  • Improved administrative and operational skills
  • Development of teamwork and communication abilities
  • Opportunity to strengthen professional confidence
  • Exposure to modern logistics and supply chain operations
  • Career-building experience with a globally recognised employer

The experience gained through this programme can significantly strengthen a candidate’s CV and improve future employment prospects.

Key Responsibilities

Learners appointed to the programme will provide support across different business functions depending on operational requirements.

Typical responsibilities may include:

  • Providing administrative support
  • Assisting with daily office activities
  • Supporting customer service teams
  • Maintaining accurate records and documentation
  • Assisting with operational tasks
  • Updating company systems
  • Communicating with internal departments
  • Supporting logistics and supply chain activities
  • Participating in workplace training sessions
  • Completing assigned projects and learning activities
  • Following company policies and procedures
  • Working collaboratively with team members

Responsibilities may differ depending on the department where the learner is placed.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements before applying:

  • Must be a South African citizen
  • Must have completed Grade 12 (Matric)
  • Must be between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Must not be permanently employed
  • Must not have more than two years of work experience
  • Must be available for the full 12-month programme
  • Must not have previously completed a YES Learnership

Candidates who do not meet these requirements may not be considered during the recruitment process.

Advantageous Qualifications

Although not compulsory, the following qualifications will strengthen an application:

  • Diploma
  • Higher Certificate
  • Degree
  • Other relevant tertiary qualification

Additional education may provide learners with broader exposure to different business functions during the programme.

Skills and Competencies Required

Suitable applicants should demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Strong academic performance
  • Good computer literacy
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Good time management
  • Ability to work under supervision
  • Positive attitude
  • Professional behaviour
  • Willingness to collaborate with others
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Commitment to personal growth
  • Customer-focused mindset
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Reliability and accountability

These skills will help learners adapt successfully to the workplace and maximise the learning opportunities available throughout the programme.

Why Apply?

Many young graduates and matriculants struggle to secure employment because employers often require previous work experience.

This programme helps bridge that gap by providing practical exposure within a respected international company.

Some of the key advantages include:

  • Real workplace experience
  • Professional mentorship
  • Career development
  • Improved employability
  • Exposure to international business standards
  • Practical business knowledge
  • Opportunity to build professional networks
  • Enhanced communication and workplace skills
  • Strong addition to a professional CV

The experience gained can open doors to future employment opportunities within logistics, administration, operations, customer service, and many other industries.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

  • Recent matric graduates
  • Unemployed youth
  • Young graduates seeking workplace experience
  • Individuals interested in logistics and supply chain careers
  • Job seekers looking to build professional experience
  • Candidates who enjoy working with people
  • Individuals who are eager to learn new skills
  • Young professionals starting their careers

Applicants should be committed to completing the entire 12-month programme and making the most of every learning opportunity provided.

Inclusive Employment Opportunity

Maersk is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants.

Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, gender, colour, religion, age, disability, nationality, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable legislation.

Applications from suitably qualified candidates with different backgrounds are encouraged.

Workplace Support

Reasonable accommodation and assistance are available throughout the recruitment and hiring process for applicants who require additional support.

Candidates requiring accommodation during the application process can request assistance when submitting their application.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Updated CV
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Certified Grade 12 (Matric) certificate
  • Certified copies of tertiary qualifications (if applicable)
  • Any additional supporting documents requested during the recruitment process

Having clear and up-to-date documents ready can help avoid delays during the application process.

Application Tips

To improve the chances of being shortlisted:

  • Ensure all information provided is accurate.
  • Submit a professional and updated CV.
  • Highlight computer literacy and communication skills.
  • Include all educational qualifications.
  • Double-check contact details before submitting the application.
  • Apply before the closing date if one is announced.
  • Ensure all required documents are uploaded.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications online through the official Maersk careers portal. Applicants are encouraged to complete the online application form carefully, ensure that all personal information is accurate, and upload an updated CV together with the required supporting documents, including a certified copy of their South African ID, Matric certificate, and any relevant tertiary qualifications.

Before submitting an application, candidates should review all information provided to ensure it is complete and correct. Early applications are encouraged, as the vacancy may close once a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received or on the advertised closing date.

Apply Here: YES Learnership 2026/2027