DHL Global Forwarding Graduate Internships 2026

DHL Global Forwarding invites unemployed South African youth to apply for its 12-month Graduate Programme 2026 in Johannesburg.

Graduate Programme Application Closing Date: Not specified

Graduate Programme Location: DHL Global Forwarding Offices, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

DHL Global Forwarding Graduate Programme 2026

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight is recruiting unemployed young graduates for its 2026 Graduate Programme intake.

Successful applicants will be appointed on a 12-month contract and placed at DHL Global Forwarding offices in Johannesburg.

The programme is aimed at graduates who want to gain practical experience within an international logistics and freight-forwarding environment.

Graduate Programme Overview

Company: DHL Global Forwarding SA (Pty) Limited
Programme: Graduate Programme 2026
Job reference: AV-367919
Business unit: DHL Global Forwarding, Freight
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Employment type: Full-time temporary graduate programme
Contract duration: 12 months
Age requirement: 20 to 30 years
Citizenship: South African
Employment status: Must be unemployed
Study status: Must not currently be studying
Closing date: Not specified
Application method: Online

Qualifications Accepted

Applicants should hold a relevant qualification in one of the following fields:

Sales and Marketing
Logistics and Transportation Management
Supply Chain Management
Business Management
Mechanical Engineering
Finance

DHL also states that relevant qualifications in Transportation and Logistics, Business or Marketing may be considered.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must:

Be South African citizens.
Be between 20 and 30 years old.
Be unemployed.
Not currently be studying.
Hold a relevant qualification.
Be available for the full 12-month programme.
Be able to work in Johannesburg.

Computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office, will be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Successful graduates will work under direct supervision and support DHL’s business processes and operational activities.

Responsibilities may include:

Supporting company processes.
Assisting with operational activities.
Receiving documents and information.
Reconciling documents.
Consolidating information.
Summarising documentation.
Maintaining operational systems.
Scanning documents.
Filing records.
Preparing basic reports.
Completing back-office duties.
Following defined processes and procedures.
Supporting colleagues within the assigned team.
Communicating routine operational information.
Addressing task-related issues appropriately.

Document Administration

Graduates may be required to support documentation processes by:

Receiving documents.
Checking information.
Reconciling records.
Consolidating documentation.
Summarising information.
Filing documents.
Scanning records.
Supporting reporting activities.

Accuracy and attention to detail will therefore be important.

Operational Systems Support

Successful candidates may also assist with maintaining operational systems according to instructions.

This may include:

Capturing information.
Updating records.
Following system procedures.
Maintaining accurate data.
Supporting administrative workflows.
Escalating issues where necessary.

The exact system responsibilities will depend on the department in which the graduate is placed.

Teamwork and Communication

Graduates will primarily interact with colleagues within their own teams.

Applicants should be able to:

Communicate clearly.
Follow instructions.
Work professionally with colleagues.
Maintain positive working relationships.
Address routine work-related issues.
Ask for guidance where required.
Work within established business processes.

Skills and Competencies

Suitable applicants should demonstrate:

Good communication skills.
Attention to detail.
Administrative ability.
Ability to follow procedures.
Teamwork.
Willingness to learn.
Basic problem-solving ability.
Professional conduct.
Organisational skills.
Computer literacy.
Ability to work under supervision.
Ability to complete repetitive tasks accurately.

Microsoft Office Skills

Microsoft Office knowledge will be advantageous.

Applicants with experience using applications such as:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint

should include this information on their CV.

Graduate Programme Duration

The programme will run for:

12 months

Successful applicants will be appointed on a temporary full-time contract for the duration of the graduate programme.

The advertisement does not state that permanent employment is guaranteed after completion.

Career Development Opportunities

DHL states that graduates may benefit from:

Exposure to an international company.
Practical workplace experience.
Opportunities to contribute ideas.
Skills development.
Career-development opportunities.
Experience within logistics and freight forwarding.
Exposure to global business processes.

Possible further career development may be available, depending on performance, business needs and available opportunities.

Employment Equity

Selection will be conducted in accordance with DHL’s Employment Equity Policy.

The company also states that the development of talented women forms part of its broader talent-development strategy.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

About DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding is part of DHL Group and specialises in:

Air freight.
Ocean freight.
Road freight.
International logistics.
Supply-chain solutions.
Cross-border freight services.

The business operates as part of DHL Group’s global network spanning more than 220 countries and territories.

Required Application Documents

The supplied advertisement does not provide a complete list of compulsory supporting documents.

Applicants should prepare:

An updated Curriculum Vitae.
A copy of their South African identity document.
Proof of their completed qualification.
An academic transcript where requested.
Any additional documents required on the official DHL careers platform.

Only documents requested during the online application should be treated as compulsory.

How to Apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Graduate Programme 2026

Applications must be submitted online through the official DHL careers platform.

Click here to apply for the DHL Global Forwarding Graduate Programme 2026

Applicants should use the following reference:

AV-367919

Online Application Steps

Applicants should:

Open the official DHL Graduate Programme vacancy.
Review the qualification and eligibility requirements.
Click the online application option.
Create or sign in to an applicant profile.
Complete all compulsory personal details.
Add accurate qualification information.
Upload an updated CV.
Upload any additional requested documents.
Review the application carefully.
Submit the application while the listing remains open.

Graduate Programme Application Closing Date

The closing date was not specified in the supplied advertisement.

Applicants should apply as soon as possible while the vacancy remains available on the official DHL careers website.

Important Application Conditions

Applicants should note that:

The programme is aimed at unemployed youth.
Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old.
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must not currently be studying.
A relevant completed qualification is required.
Microsoft Office knowledge is advantageous.
The programme runs for 12 months.
The position is based in Johannesburg.
Selection will take Employment Equity requirements into account.
Permanent employment after the programme is not guaranteed.

Application Checklist

Before applying, confirm that:

You are a South African citizen.
You are between 20 and 30 years old.
You are unemployed.
You are not currently studying.
You have completed a relevant qualification.
Your qualification is in Logistics, Supply Chain, Marketing, Business, Mechanical Engineering, Finance or a related field.
Your CV is updated.
Your contact information is correct.
Your supporting documents are ready.
You can work full-time in Johannesburg for 12 months.
You use reference AV-367919.
You apply through the official DHL careers platform.