Maersk has officially opened applications for its YES Learnership 2026/2027 in Cape Town, offering unemployed South African youth an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience within one of the world’s largest logistics and supply chain companies.
Successful applicants will participate in a 12-month workplace programme, supporting different business functions while developing employability skills that can strengthen future career opportunities in logistics, supply chain management, customer service and business operations.
Maersk YES Learnership Programme Overview
| Programme: Maersk YES Learnership 2026/2027
| Company: Maersk
| Programme Type: YES Learnership
| Duration: 12 Months
| Placement: Cape Town
| Workplace: Site Based
| Industry: Logistics and Supply Chain
| Reference Number: R185767
| Employment Type: Full Time
| Best Before: 31 July 2026
About Maersk
Maersk is one of the world’s leading integrated logistics companies, operating in more than 130 countries with over 100,000 employees. The company provides global logistics, shipping, warehousing, transportation and supply chain solutions while investing heavily in innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.
The YES Learnership forms part of Maersk’s commitment to youth development by providing practical workplace exposure that prepares participants for long-term careers.
What is the Maersk YES Learnership?
The Maersk YES Learnership is a structured workplace development programme designed to introduce unemployed young South Africans to the professional working environment. Participants receive practical workplace exposure while supporting different operational and administrative functions across the business.
The programme focuses on developing workplace readiness, customer service, teamwork and operational skills required within the logistics industry. Although the programme is temporary, the experience gained can significantly improve future employment prospects.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizen
- Completed Grade 12 (Matric)
- Additional tertiary qualification will be advantageous
- Between 18 and 30 years old
- Currently unemployed
- Must not be permanently employed
- Must not have more than two years of work experience
- Must not have previously completed a YES Learnership
- Able to commit to the full 12-month programme
- Strong academic record
- Computer literate
- Good written communication skills
- Good verbal communication skills
- Positive attitude
- Able to work in a team
- Good time management
- Quick learner
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful learners will provide operational and administrative support across various departments.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting daily business operations
- Assisting different functional teams
- Performing administrative duties
- Providing customer support where required
- Maintaining accurate records
- Learning company systems and procedures
- Participating in workplace training
- Supporting operational activities
- Collaborating with colleagues
- Completing assigned workplace tasks
- Following company policies
- Maintaining professional conduct
- Participating in learning activities
Skills You Will Gain
Participants can expect to develop valuable workplace skills including:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Computer literacy
- Administrative skills
- Professional workplace behaviour
- Business operations
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Organisational skills
- Workplace ethics
- Adaptability
- Operational support
- Professional communication
- Corporate experience
Career Opportunities After the Programme
The experience gained through the Maersk YES Learnership can strengthen applications for positions such as:
- Logistics Administrator
- Supply Chain Administrator
- Customer Service Administrator
- Operations Assistant
- Office Administrator
- Warehouse Administrator
- Shipping Coordinator
- Freight Administrator
- Import and Export Administrator
- Distribution Coordinator
- Business Support Officer
- Logistics Clerk
- Inventory Administrator
- Transport Administrator
Experience within a globally recognised logistics company can also improve opportunities across the broader logistics, transport and supply chain industries.
Why This Learnership Matters
South Africa’s logistics sector continues to create demand for young professionals who understand modern supply chain operations and customer-focused service delivery. Completing a workplace programme with Maersk provides participants with exposure to international business practices while strengthening practical workplace experience that many employers seek.
Although completion does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience can make graduates and matriculants more competitive in future recruitment processes.
Application Tips
To improve your application:
- Prepare a professional CV.
- Ensure your Matric certificate is available.
- Include any additional qualifications.
- Highlight computer skills.
- Mention teamwork and communication abilities.
- Proofread your application before submission.
- Apply well before the closing date.
- Ensure all information is accurate.
- Monitor your email regularly after applying.
Where to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Maersk Careers website using:
Reference Number: R185767
- Only online applications submitted through the official recruitment portal will be considered.
For accommodation requests during the recruitment process applicants may contact:
accommodationrequests@maersk.com
Best Before: 31 July 2026 Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
- South African citizens aged between 18 and 30 who have completed Matric and meet the programme requirements.
Is previous work experience required?
- No. Applicants should not have more than two years of work experience.
Is Matric compulsory?
- Yes. A completed Grade 12 certificate is required.
Are tertiary qualifications required?
- No. They are advantageous but not compulsory.
Can someone who completed a YES programme before apply?
- No. Previous YES participants are not eligible.
Where is the programme based?
Cape Town in the Western Cape.
How long is the programme?
- The programme runs for 12 months.
Does completing the programme guarantee permanent employment?
- No. The learnership provides workplace experience but does not guarantee permanent employment.
Editorial Policy
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