Are you a young South African looking for an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience in the logistics and warehouse industry? DHL Global Forwarding is offering an apprenticeship opportunity in Johannesburg, Gauteng, aimed at women who want to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience in warehouse operations.

The DHL Global Forwarding Apprentice opportunity is a 12-month temporary, full-time apprenticeship based in Johannesburg. The programme provides participants with exposure to a professional warehouse environment and the opportunity to learn from experienced employees while developing practical skills relevant to freight and warehouse operations.

This apprenticeship may be particularly suitable for candidates who have completed Grade 12, are between 18 and 35 years old, are South African citizens and currently reside in Johannesburg.

The vacancy is listed under job reference AV-374524 and falls within DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF), the part of DHL Group responsible for air, ocean and road freight services.

DHL Global Forwarding Apprentice Vacancy Details

Before applying, interested candidates should understand the basic information associated with the opportunity.

• Company: DHL Global Forwarding SA (Pty) Limited
• Position: Apprentice
• Job Reference: AV-374524
• Business Area: Global Forwarding, Freight
• Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Working Hours: 42.5 hours per week
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Programme Duration: 12 months
• Field: Warehouse Operations
• Target Group: Women
• Minimum Qualification: Grade 12
• Age Requirement: 18 to 35 years
• Citizenship: South African citizen
• Residence: Applicants must reside in Johannesburg
• Forklift Licence: An advantage

Candidates should carefully check that they meet the listed requirements before submitting their applications.

About the DHL Global Forwarding Apprenticeship

DHL Global Forwarding operates within the wider DHL Group, a major international logistics organisation with operations spanning countries and territories around the world.

The company specialises in freight forwarding, including air, ocean and road freight, and provides transport and logistics solutions to customers across different industries.

The apprenticeship gives successful candidates the opportunity to become familiar with warehouse operations while working alongside experienced professionals.

Rather than focusing only on theoretical knowledge, the programme is designed around practical workplace exposure. Participants can develop skills that may help them understand how freight moves through warehouse and logistics environments.

For someone interested in building a career in logistics, warehousing, freight handling or related operations, this type of workplace exposure can be valuable.

A 12-Month Opportunity for Women

DHL Global Forwarding is specifically encouraging women between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply for this apprenticeship opportunity.

The programme provides an opportunity for successful candidates to spend 12 months gaining practical experience in warehouse operations.

During this period, apprentices can work alongside experienced members of the organisation and become familiar with the processes and responsibilities involved in a professional warehouse environment.

The opportunity can therefore be useful for candidates who have completed Grade 12 and are looking for their first significant workplace experience.

Practical Warehouse Experience

One of the main benefits of the apprenticeship is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

Warehouse environments are important components of the logistics industry. Goods need to be received, handled, organised and moved efficiently before continuing through the supply chain.

An apprentice may gain exposure to different aspects of warehouse operations while working under appropriate supervision.

The experience can help participants develop a better understanding of workplace procedures, safety expectations, teamwork and the movement of freight.

Skills Development

The apprenticeship is also intended to help participants develop practical skills relevant to warehouse and freight operations.

The vacancy highlights areas such as:

• Freight handling
• Forklift-related skills
• Reach truck-related skills
• Warehouse operations
• Workplace processes
• General logistics knowledge

The exact duties and training provided will depend on the requirements of the programme and the operational environment.

For young people entering the logistics sector, developing practical knowledge can provide a foundation for future employment opportunities.

Mentorship and Guidance

Another feature of the apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

Working alongside people who already understand warehouse and freight operations can allow apprentices to observe professional working practices and learn how tasks are performed in a real business environment.

Mentorship and workplace guidance can also help participants understand expectations such as punctuality, communication, teamwork, responsibility and professional conduct.

These qualities are important across the logistics sector and can remain valuable throughout a person’s career.

Possible Career Development

Completing an apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment. However, gaining practical experience with an international logistics organisation can help participants build their professional knowledge and strengthen their future employment prospects.

DHL Global Forwarding indicates that the programme may provide opportunities for further career development.

Participants who perform well and develop useful skills may be better positioned to explore future opportunities within warehousing, freight forwarding, logistics and related areas, subject to available positions and the organisation’s requirements.

Minimum Requirements for the DHL Apprentice Opportunity

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.

Grade 12

Candidates must have completed Grade 12.

This means applicants should have the required secondary school qualification before applying for the apprenticeship.

Candidates should provide accurate educational information in their application and CV.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

Candidates outside the specified age range should carefully consider whether they meet the advertised eligibility requirements before applying.

South African Citizenship

The vacancy requires applicants to be South African citizens.

Candidates should ensure that the information provided in their application accurately reflects their citizenship status.

Female Applicants

The opportunity is specifically advertised for women.

DHL Global Forwarding highlights the development of talented women as an ongoing focus area within its organisation.

This apprenticeship therefore represents an opportunity for eligible women who want to gain experience in the logistics and warehouse industry.

Johannesburg Residency

Applicants must reside in Johannesburg.

This requirement is important because the apprenticeship is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Candidates should consider the location and their ability to attend the workplace for the required working hours before applying.

Forklift Licence

A forklift licence will be an advantage.

Although it is not listed as a mandatory minimum requirement, applicants who already have an appropriate forklift licence may have an additional relevant skill for warehouse operations.

Candidates should not, however, assume that possessing a forklift licence guarantees selection.

What Could You Learn During the Apprenticeship?

The warehouse environment can provide exposure to several areas of logistics operations.

Depending on the programme’s operational requirements, apprentices may learn about the movement and handling of freight, warehouse processes and equipment used in logistics environments.

Freight Handling

Freight handling is an important part of logistics operations. Goods need to be handled carefully and efficiently to support the wider transportation process.

Participants may gain exposure to appropriate procedures associated with handling freight in a warehouse environment.

Forklift and Reach Truck Operations

The vacancy specifically identifies forklift and reach truck skills among the areas participants can develop.

Warehouse equipment requires appropriate training and safe working practices. Apprentices should follow all workplace safety procedures and only operate equipment when properly authorised and trained.

Warehouse Operations

Participants can also gain experience in general warehouse operations.

This may help them understand how warehouse activities connect with broader freight-forwarding and transportation processes.

For someone considering a career in logistics, this practical exposure can provide useful insight into how goods move through supply chains.

Why Consider a Career in Logistics?

Logistics plays a major role in modern business. Products and materials need to move between manufacturers, warehouses, businesses and customers efficiently.

The industry therefore requires people with practical skills in areas such as warehousing, freight handling, transportation, supply chain management and operations.

Starting through an apprenticeship can allow a young person to gain workplace experience while learning about the industry.

For Grade 12 graduates who are interested in practical work and logistics, a warehouse apprenticeship can be a useful way to begin developing relevant skills.

Benefits of Joining a Global Organisation

DHL Global Forwarding is part of the wider DHL Group, which operates internationally.

Working within a global organisation can expose apprentices to professional standards and processes used within an international logistics environment.

The company states that its objective is to connect people and improve lives through its logistics services.

For apprentices, this environment may provide an opportunity to understand how local warehouse activities form part of a much larger international freight network.

DHL Global Forwarding’s Workplace Values

DHL Global Forwarding describes its purpose and organisational values around concepts such as respect and results.

The company also highlights goals associated with being an employer, provider and investment of choice while maintaining its commitment to responsible business practices.

For an apprentice, understanding workplace values is important. Professional behaviour is not limited to completing physical tasks; it also includes communicating respectfully, cooperating with colleagues, following procedures and taking responsibility for assigned duties.

Employment Opportunity and Equal Treatment

DHL Global Forwarding states that it is an equal opportunity employer.

The company indicates that qualified applicants are considered without discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable law.

The specific apprenticeship advertisement is aimed at women within the stated age range, while the company also communicates its wider commitment to developing talented women within the organisation.

Applicants should always review the specific eligibility criteria contained in the vacancy they are applying for.

What Makes This Apprenticeship Different?

For many young job seekers, gaining initial workplace experience can be challenging. Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate practical exposure, workplace skills or relevant experience.

An apprenticeship can help bridge part of this gap by providing structured exposure to a real work environment.

The DHL Global Forwarding opportunity combines workplace experience with skills development in an industry where practical knowledge can be important.

Participants can potentially leave the programme with greater familiarity with warehouse operations, workplace expectations and logistics processes.

How to Prepare Your Application

Before applying, candidates should make sure that their CV is up to date.

Your CV should clearly show:

• Your full name and contact details
• Grade 12 qualification
• Relevant training or certificates
• Forklift licence, if applicable
• Any previous work experience
• Any volunteer or practical experience that may be relevant
• Your current residential location

Applicants should avoid providing inaccurate information. All information submitted during recruitment should be truthful and capable of being verified if required.

Important Things to Check Before Applying

Candidates should confirm all of the following:

1. You have Grade 12.

The vacancy requires applicants to have completed Grade 12.

2. You are between 18 and 35 years old.

The advertised apprenticeship has a specified age range.

3. You are a South African citizen.

Citizenship is included among the requirements.

4. You are female.

The programme is specifically advertised as an opportunity for women.

5. You live in Johannesburg.

The position is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

6. You have a forklift licence, if applicable.

A forklift licence is not listed as mandatory but is considered an advantage.

7. You can commit to a 12-month programme.

The apprenticeship is temporary and runs for 12 months.

Location of the Apprenticeship

The opportunity is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Because the vacancy requires applicants to reside in Johannesburg, candidates should consider travel arrangements, working hours and the location of the workplace before submitting their application.

The position is advertised as full-time with 42.5 working hours per week.

Employment Type and Duration

This is a temporary, full-time apprenticeship.

The programme is expected to run for 12 months.

Candidates should understand the distinction between a temporary apprenticeship and permanent employment. Completing the programme does not necessarily mean that an apprentice will automatically receive a permanent position.

However, the experience gained during the programme can contribute to a participant’s professional development and may help them pursue future opportunities.

Competitive Salary

The vacancy indicates that DHL Global Forwarding offers a competitive salary as part of the apprenticeship opportunity.

The advertisement does not specify the exact salary amount.

Applicants should therefore rely on the official vacancy information rather than assuming a particular monthly or annual amount.

How to Find the Official DHL Vacancy

Candidates interested in this apprenticeship should use DHL’s official careers platform to review the vacancy and follow the application instructions.

The vacancy is identified by reference number AV-374524.

When searching for the position, applicants should verify the job title, reference number, location and closing information to ensure they are applying for the correct opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position is DHL Global Forwarding advertising?

DHL Global Forwarding is advertising an Apprentice position in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

What is the job reference number?

The vacancy reference number is AV-374524.

How long is the apprenticeship?

The programme is advertised as a 12-month apprenticeship.

Is the position full-time?

Yes. The vacancy is listed as full-time, with 42.5 hours per week.

Is this a permanent job?

No. The position is advertised as temporary. Participants should not assume that completion of the apprenticeship guarantees permanent employment.

What qualification is required?

Applicants must have Grade 12.

Who can apply?

The opportunity is specifically aimed at women aged 18 to 35 who are South African citizens and reside in Johannesburg.

Is a forklift licence compulsory?

The advertisement states that a forklift licence will be an advantage. It is therefore not listed as one of the mandatory minimum requirements.

Where is the apprenticeship located?

The apprenticeship is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

What type of work is involved?

The programme is focused on warehouse operations, with skills development that includes areas such as freight handling, forklift and reach truck operations and related warehouse activities.

Apply DHL Global Forwarding Apprentice Vacancies 2026

The DHL Global Forwarding Apprentice opportunity in Johannesburg provides eligible young women with the chance to gain practical experience in warehouse operations while being part of an international logistics organisation.

The programme runs for 12 months and is advertised as a full-time temporary opportunity requiring 42.5 hours per week. Applicants must have Grade 12, be South African citizens, be female and between 18 and 35 years old, and reside in Johannesburg.

A forklift licence is not listed as compulsory, but it is identified as an advantage. Candidates with relevant warehouse, logistics or equipment-related experience may also find the practical nature of the programme particularly useful.

The apprenticeship can provide exposure to freight handling, warehouse operations, forklift and reach truck-related skills, mentorship and professional workplace practices. DHL Global Forwarding also highlights possible further career development for participants.

For young women who want to establish themselves in the logistics industry, this type of opportunity can be an important starting point for developing practical skills and workplace experience.

Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy and make sure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. They should also prepare an accurate, updated CV containing their educational qualifications, relevant certificates, experience and other information that supports their application.

Most importantly, candidates should use the official DHL careers platform when applying and remain alert to fraudulent recruitment messages. Genuine employers do not require applicants to pay individuals in exchange for employment.

If you meet the requirements for DHL Global Forwarding Apprentice AV-374524, this may be an opportunity worth considering as you begin building your career in logistics and warehouse operations.