Maersk invites unemployed South African youth to apply for the YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027.
Learnership Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Learnership Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Maersk YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027
Maersk is recruiting high-potential young South Africans for its 2026/2027 Youth Employment Service Learnership Programme in Cape Town.
The one-year entry-level programme provides participants with practical workplace exposure and an opportunity to develop essential professional skills within an international logistics environment.
Successful candidates will be based at a Maersk office or operational site in Cape Town and will support different business functions throughout the programme.
Learnership Programme Overview
Company: Maersk
Programme: YES Learnership Programme 2026/2027
Job requisition number: R185767
Employment type: Full-time
Work arrangement: Site-based
Programme duration: 12 months
Minimum qualification: Grade 12 or Matric
Age requirement: 18 to 30 years
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Application method: Online
Purpose of the Learnership
The programme aims to provide unemployed youth with structured workplace experience in the logistics and global trade industry.
Successful learners will develop practical knowledge while contributing to Maersk’s daily business operations.
The programme is designed to promote:
- Workplace readiness
- Customer-focused thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Operational skills
- Teamwork
- Professional communication
- Time management
- Computer literacy
- Continuous learning
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be South African citizens.
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Have completed Grade 12 or Matric.
- Not be permanently employed.
- Have no more than two years of work experience.
- Be available for the complete 12-month programme.
- Not have completed a YES Learnership previously.
- Have a strong academic record.
- Have strong computer-literacy skills.
- Have good written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work effectively in a team.
- Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Additional tertiary qualifications will be advantageous but are not compulsory.
Can You Apply with Grade 12?
Yes. Grade 12 or Matric is the minimum qualification required for the programme.
Applicants with additional qualifications may also apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Applicants must not have more than two years of previous work experience.
Work Experience Requirement
Applicants should have limited work experience.
Candidates must:
- Not be permanently employed.
- Have no more than two years of work experience.
- Not have previously completed a YES Learnership.
The programme is intended for young people who require meaningful entry-level workplace exposure.
Key Responsibilities
Learners will provide support across different Maersk business functions.
Responsibilities may vary depending on the department or operational site where each participant is placed.
Learners may assist with:
- Administrative duties
- Capturing and maintaining business information
- Supporting customer-service activities
- Preparing reports and documents
- Assisting operational teams
- Communicating with colleagues and customers
- Coordinating routine workplace tasks
- Supporting logistics and supply chain activities
- Following company procedures
- Participating in team meetings and learning activities
What Successful Candidates Will Gain
The programme offers participants:
- Twelve months of practical workplace experience
- Exposure to an international logistics company
- Structured workplace learning
- Experience in a customer-focused business environment
- Professional communication skills
- Administrative and operational experience
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Improved workplace readiness
- Exposure to global trade and logistics operations
- An opportunity to build a professional network
The programme does not automatically guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong computer literacy
- Good written communication
- Good verbal communication
- Ability to learn quickly
- Effective time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Positive attitude
- Professional conduct
- Reliability
- Customer focus
- Problem-solving ability
- Willingness to accept feedback
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
Applicants should prepare:
- An updated CV.
- A copy of their South African identity document.
- A copy of their Grade 12 certificate.
- Copies of any tertiary qualifications.
- Academic records where requested.
- Any additional documents required by the application portal.
Applicants should ensure that their CV includes updated contact details and clearly explains any previous work experience.
How to Apply for Maersk YES Learnerships 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted through the official Maersk online recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for Maersk YES Learnerships 2026/2027
Use the following details to identify the opportunity:
Job title: YES Learnership 2026/2027 – Cape Town
Job requisition number: R185767
Applicants should:
- Open the official vacancy page.
- Create or sign in to a candidate profile.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload an updated CV and supporting documents.
- Review all information entered.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Learnership Application Closing Date
Applications close on 31 July 2026.
Applicants should apply early to avoid technical problems or incomplete submissions on the final day.
Important Application Advice
Before applying, confirm that:
- You are between 18 and 30 years old.
- You have completed Grade 12.
- You are not permanently employed.
- You do not have more than two years of work experience.
- You have not completed a YES Learnership before.
- You can commit to the full 12-month programme.
- You can work on-site in Cape Town.
- Your CV and supporting documents are ready.
- Your application is submitted before 31 July 2026.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
